Iran does not intend to be the first to resume the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfills its obligations, said Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, reportedMehr.
According to him, Tehran has reached an agreement with Oman on the procedure for the passage of ships through the strait, but its implementation has not yet begun, as it depends on the fulfillment of the obligations of the American side.
"When the conditions and obligations imposed on America are fulfilled, the Islamic Republic of Iran will also be ready to take its own steps regarding the Strait of Hormuz. If they do nothing, Iran will not rush to open the strait and will continue to take defensive measures," Gharibabadi said.
He also denied reports of free passage of ships through Hormuz, stating that the strait is "completely blocked." According to him, any ship can pass through there only after coordination with the Iranian side.
"Our armed forces fully control any movement in the strait and are performing their task to the best of their ability. No ship can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with Iran," the deputy foreign minister stressed.
Gharibabadi noted that the latest US sanctions did not come as a surprise to Tehran, which, according to him, was fully prepared for them. He also accused Washington of repeatedly refusing diplomatic agreements.
"If America thinks it wants to return to the diplomatic table, it should know that Iran has not violated the Islamabad memorandum. It is America that has betrayed diplomacy and the negotiating table for the third time in 16 months," he said.
Gharibabadi said that Qatar and Pakistan are now assessing the possibility of the parties returning to the fulfillment of their obligations under the Islamabad memorandum. Tehran has informed the mediators that it is ready to implement the agreement with Oman, but is not going to be the first to fulfill the conditions related to the opening of the strait.
"It is America that has suspended the fulfillment of its obligations and retreated from them. Washington must return to these obligations. We have clearly indicated what specific steps America should take," the Iranian deputy foreign minister said.
