Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic, has conditioned the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on the cessation of what he termed “illegal U.S. actions.” He also cited the “lifting of the naval blockade” and “compensation for damages inflicted on Iran” as additional demands by the Islamic Republic for reopening this vital waterway.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, August 10, Baghaei stated: “The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a direct consequence of U.S. and Israeli strikes, as well as the use of regional bases against Iran.”
According to Baghaei, ongoing talks between Iran and Oman constitute a purely bilateral framework for establishing safe international shipping routes and remain separate from political disputes.
Citing UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson characterized the U.S. naval blockade of Iran as an “act of aggression,” warning that as long as hostile behavior continues, conditions will not be ripe for guaranteeing the waterway’s security.
Responding to a query on whether diplomacy could lift the naval blockade, Baghaei noted: “A naval blockade is not a diplomatic act that can be lifted through diplomacy alone.” He emphasized that the Islamic Republic must counter U.S. actions “with authority, military strength, and alongside it, diplomacy.”
