“The Islamic Republic of Iran has reached an understanding with Oman regarding arrangements for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but this understanding will not automatically enter the implementation phase,” Gharibabadi said on Saturday.
“Implementation of this understanding requires commitments to be fulfilled by the other side, especially the United States. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures,” he said.
Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran is in no hurry to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and would continue its defensive measures and efforts to counter threats.
“These measures are not a new issue. If Washington is interested in returning to the path of diplomacy, it must accept responsibility for its past actions,” he said.
Gharibabadi stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, saying, “If a vessel passes through this route, it will do so with the coordination and authorization of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
He added that Iran’s Armed Forces have full oversight of developments in the Strait of Hormuz and rejected reports claiming that vessels had passed through the waterway without coordination.
He also said Iran’s meetings and interactions with Qatar and Pakistan had taken place within the framework of current issues and in view of the two countries’ role as mediators in the talks.
“The efforts of Qatar and Pakistan were aimed at examining whether there is a possibility of returning to the implementation of the commitments under the Islamabad understanding,” he said.
Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran has made its readiness clear through the understanding reached with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz, but that implementation of the commitments rests with the US.
“The United States has halted its commitments, and in order to return to the path, it must take the necessary measures. After that, the path will become clear,” Gharibabadi added.