Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated that talks between Tehran and Washington regarding the Strait of Hormuz are currently taking place through Oman, with Muscat serving as an intermediary between the Islamic Republic and the United States.
Speaking to the Didban Iran news outlet, he claimed that the U.S. seeks to avoid direct negotiations and has positioned Oman to lead discussions with Tehran. “The United States does not want to accept direct responsibility, so it has pushed Oman forward,” Bakhshayesh Ardestani said.
The MP noted that prior to the 40-Day War, the Islamic Republic only spoke theoretically about closing the Strait of Hormuz. However, during the conflict, Tehran actively blocked the waterway. Following the war, he claimed, the U.S. proposed a joint toll-collection arrangement for transiting vessels, an offer Tehran rejected due to the ongoing American military presence in the region.
Bakhshayesh Ardestani previously highlighted that the primary dispute between Tehran and Washington centers on operational control of the strait and transit toll collection. According to him, Iran insists on full control over the waterway and toll revenues while rejecting U.S. partnership proposals.
