DUBAI, Oct 12 — Iran is currently evaluating a U.S. response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and intends to convey its reply through intermediaries once the review is complete. This information was confirmed by Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, during a press conference on Monday.
Baghaei indicated that communication between Iran and the U.S. is ongoing via intermediaries, although he did not provide specific details on those discussions. Countries such as Qatar and Pakistan have facilitated these exchanges as part of efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts, particularly in light of the recent escalation following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28.
Following a fragmented ceasefire agreement in June, Iran submitted its proposal to address tensions over the Strait of Hormuz in mid-September. While Iran acknowledged receiving a U.S. response, negotiations have stagnated. Iran’s security chief expressed dissatisfaction with Washington’s reply, stating it did not adequately address Tehran’s seven conditions for reopening the vital waterway and resuming negotiations.
A significant point of contention remains the U.S. demand to discuss Iran’s nuclear program at the outset of negotiations. Iran contends that the primary focus should initially be on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that previously facilitated about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
In relation to the deepening conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, an Iranian ally, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s willingness to assist in resolving the crisis through dialogue. He mentioned, “The issue of Yemen should have been resolved a long time ago with the (UN) roadmap, and we had said we would support any agreement reached by Yemenis and Saudis. Our request is that this situation be resolved through dialogue.”
As of now, Iran continues its review of the U.S. response, with all eyes on potential developments in negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding geopolitical issues.
