Image source, Reuters
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Following the release of details on a draft agreement to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Tehran has declared that the status of the Hormuz Strait will not revert to its pre-conflict condition.
US President Donald Trump has stated that the agreement is nearly finalized.
Iranian media have reported that the accord includes commitments from all sides to end hostilities and for Tehran to halt the advancement of its nuclear program.
According to the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened for navigation.
The news website Axios quotes a US official indicating that the Trump administration may grant Iran some exemptions on oil sales restrictions.
This official also conveyed that further negotiations are expected to control Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Statements from Key Figures
President Donald Trump described the agreement to reopen the Hormuz Strait as nearly finalized.
While he did not provide detailed information, he said, “The final aspects of the agreement are still under discussion and will be announced soon.”
He emphasized that the agreement would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei noted that perceptions between the US and Iran have been aligning over recent weeks, but significant issues remain difficult to resolve.
He criticized the United States for being ‘contradictory’ in its stance.
Image source, Reuters
Semi-official Iranian media Tasnim reported that as per the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war condition immediately, but navigational operations could resume within 30 days.
Iranian Foreign Minister Esk Dar described the progress as a ‘positive and sustainable solution nearing fruition,’ highlighting important phone discussions involving President Trump and representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, UAE, and Jordan as ‘significant steps towards regional peace.’
Comments from the US Secretary of State
Image source, Getty Images
While visiting India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that ‘some news might emerge today,’ adding that the President is prepared to make further announcements.
He said, “Significant progress has been made, although this is not the final advancement.”
Rubio emphasized America’s clear objective, mentioning the intent to dismantle Iran’s naval forces, ballistic missile capabilities, and defense industry.
“That is the goal of Mission Epic Fury, and those targets have been accomplished.”
He reiterated President Trump’s firm stance against allowing Iran to ever develop nuclear weapons.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s major industrial arteries through which about 20 percent of global oil shipments pass.
Image source, Amirhossein KHORGOOEI / ISNA / AFP via Getty Images
After Iran closed the waterway in response to attacks by the US and Israel, numerous commercial vessels have been targeted.
Since then, hundreds of ships have been unable to pass through the route, leaving over 20,000 personnel stranded in the Gulf region.
Approximately 3,000 vessels used to transit this passage monthly.
The closure of the Hormuz Strait has caused a crisis in the global supply chain and led to increased fuel prices.
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