Iran's Negotiator Discusses New Management of the Strait of Hormuz
Strategic Changes in the Strait of Hormuz
On Monday, Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that the management of the Strait of Hormuz will undergo significant changes and will not revert to its previous state before the conflict. He emphasized that the waterway will be governed by what he termed as 'Iranian arrangements'. Ghalibaf made these remarks while returning from discussions in Switzerland, highlighting that Iran has agreed to set up a direct communication hotline and a coordination center to prevent incidents and resolve disputes involving vessels in the strait.
He remarked, "I was among the first to assert at the onset of the war that the management of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its former state." He further expressed Iran's longstanding distrust of the United States.
Establishment of a Hotline
According to reports from Iranian media, Ghalibaf mentioned that Tehran and Washington have reached an agreement to create communication mechanisms for the waterway. He stated, "We have agreed to establish coordination mechanisms — a telephone hotline and a center to address any ambiguities or issues that may arise, allowing ships to reach out to that center." This system aims to ensure the highest safety standards and smooth traffic flow through this crucial shipping route.
Ghalibaf assured that Iran would adhere strictly to international laws and act swiftly to clarify any misunderstandings involving commercial vessels. He added, "If the Americans have any concerns or if vessels require clarity on routes, they can reach out to us."
⭕️ Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described why Tehran abruptly walked out of talks with the U.S. delegation in Switzerland: “Naturally, we entered the meeting room and began our discussions. The talks were going well. There was no dispute. We were almost at… pic.twitter.com/JZOQWgyQSi
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Addressing recent tensions, Ghalibaf noted that issues could arise in the Strait of Hormuz, similar to those in Lebanon, and acknowledged that there have been clashes in the area on certain nights.
Conclusion of Talks in Switzerland
These statements followed the conclusion of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland on Monday. US Vice-President JD Vance described the previous day's discussions as a "very, very good day" and indicated that they laid a solid foundation for a successful final agreement to resolve the conflict that began in late February. The Strait of Hormuz had been closed by Iran during the war but was reopened after a peace agreement between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alleviating concerns over global energy supplies and contributing to lower oil prices.
Resumption of Shipping Activities
Recent shipping data from MarineTraffic indicates that over the past 24 hours, at least two dozen vessels have navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. This traffic included eight oil tankers and two cargo ships departing the Persian Gulf, along with eight tankers and six cargo ships entering the region, as reported by various sources. In a statement to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump remarked that the United States is "doing very well" regarding the Strait of Hormuz, asserting, "We have total control of the strait." He added that oil shipments through the waterway have reached unprecedented levels since its reopening, stating, "We took in more oil yesterday than has ever gone through the strait."