AP
Dubai
Iran on Monday said it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States met its conditions.
“It is up to the US side to stop and make amends for its illegal and destructive actions,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, noting the American blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran wants the US to lift the blockade, pay compensation for months of war damage, lift economic sanctions and release Iran’s frozen assets.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a waterway that normally carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies – has become the war’s most lasting consequence. The impasse has kept energy prices as a major focus of US politics ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Iran is holding separate talks with Oman over transit through the strait, including potentially a temporary shipping corridor. But it has said any actual reopening is contingent on talks with the US.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that fees should be charged for maritime services provided in the Strait of Hormuz.Baghaei made the remarks at a weekly press conference in response to a question about whether fees for maritime services had been discussed during negotiations between Iran and Oman on the designation of a new route in the waterway.
“Generally, when you provide maritime services, you must be reimbursed for them,” Baghaei said.”At this stage, we do not discuss such details,” he said, adding that negotiations were continuing and “certain technical points” would be discussed.
Baghaei said the
negotiations between Iran and Oman will ensure safe shipping.
, address environmental issues, provide maritime services and combat crimes in the strait.
