Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Iran Questions US Claims Southern Strait of Hormuz Route
Iran and the United States disagree about whether ships can safely use the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States says oil is normally moving through the southern part of the waterway.
Iran says this is not true and that the strait remains closed.
Iran says ships can pass only after coordinating with Iranian authorities.
An Iranian official also said a deal involving Iran and Oman cannot begin until the United States keeps its promises.
Iran says it is still taking defensive actions around the strait.
Iraq says it wants to help Iran and the United States find an agreement.
The disagreement could affect ships carrying oil through the area.
Iranian officials challenged US claims that the southern Strait of Hormuz route is operating normally.
An Iranian security source said Washington’s statements were contrary to conditions on the ground and part of a psychological campaign.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the strait remains closed pending US fulfillment of commitments under the Islamabad MoU.
Gharibabadi said vessels crossing the strait do so in coordination with Iran, while Iran continues defensive measures.
Iraq said it wants to act as a bridge between Iran and the United States to help reach a regional agreement.
- Who
- Iranian officials, the United States, Oman, and Iraq are involved; Qatar and Pakistan have also sent officials to Iran.
- What
- Iran challenged US claims that the southern Strait of Hormuz route is functioning normally and said the strait remains closed.
- When
- Saturday, according to the reports.
- Where
- The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding regional diplomatic channels.
- Why
- Iran says the US claims misrepresent conditions in the strait, while an Iran-Oman understanding remains pending until US commitments under the Islamabad MoU are fulfilled.
Iranian Position
US Position
Whether the southern route is operating normally
Iranian Position
Iran says US claims about oil volumes and normal traffic through the southern route do not match conditions on the ground.
US Position
The United States says oil is normally transiting the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.
Status of the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Position
Iran says the strait remains closed and that vessels must coordinate with Iran before passing.
US Position
The US claim that oil is normally moving through the southern route presents the waterway as at least partially functioning.
- Iran's position
- Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and that vessels pass only in coordination with Iran.
- US claim
- The United States says oil is normally transiting the southern route of the strait.
- Iranian response
- An Iranian security source described the US statements as contrary to realities on the ground and part of a psychological campaign.
- Iran-Oman understanding
- Kazem Gharibabadi said an understanding exists but will not be implemented until the United States fulfills commitments under the Islamabad MoU.
- Iranian actions
- Iran says it is continuing defensive measures, including attacks on vessels accused of violating its regulations and warnings that prompted some tankers to change course.
- Iraq's role
- Iraq says it wants to serve as a bridge between Iran and the United States.