Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Never Be Part of Negotiations with US
TEHRAN: Iran has made it clear that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will never be included in negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that the waterway remains under Iran’s sovereignty and control.
Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, Ebrahim Azizi, said Iran’s geographical importance is one of the key pillars behind the country’s major achievements.
In his statement, Azizi stressed that Iran would not allow the Strait of Hormuz to become part of diplomatic talks in the same way as the nuclear issue. He added that if US sanctions and blockades are lifted, passage through the strait would continue under arrangements determined by Iran.
He further stated that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for non-military and non-hostile traffic, adding that Iran does not require permission from any country regarding its regional waters and legitimate rights.
Azizi also said that the issue should be reflected in the early stages of confidence-building measures linked to any future peace understanding.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that if a framework agreement is finalized with the United States, negotiations on nuclear matters and related issues could take place within 60 days.
During a press conference, Baghaei said Iran and the US had reached a preliminary framework, but cautioned that no one could yet claim a final agreement was imminent.
He added that once the memorandum of understanding is finalized, talks would begin on details related to the nuclear issue and other areas of mutual understanding.
