Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Gulf leaders to recognize their "real enemy" and confront it, as Iran maintains a firm stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This statement was made in a message published on Sunday to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
Khamenei has not made a public appearance since the US-Israeli attacks on February 28, which resulted in the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His message coincides with ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed prior to the conflict.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on Saturday that Iran has reached an agreement with Oman regarding a temporary maritime route, but its implementation is contingent upon the United States fulfilling its obligations under a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, which has since expired. Gharibabadi noted, "The Strait of Hormuz is closed," and any vessel wishing to cross must coordinate with Iran.
Gharibabadi added, "Implementing this understanding requires the other side, particularly the US, to fulfill its commitments. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures."
Iran and Oman have been negotiating a temporary joint shipping corridor and mine clearance, while Qatar and Pakistan have increased their mediation efforts. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday to discuss de-escalation and the restoration of shipping through Hormuz.
Recent data from Reuters, citing Kpler, indicated that recorded transits through the Strait of Hormuz remain low, with only seven commodity vessels crossing on Thursday, down from 17 the previous day and below the 10-day average of 15.
The International Maritime Organization reported on Friday that up to 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need for "renewed political will and cooperation" to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.
This diplomatic effort is occurring alongside increasing economic pressure on Tehran, with annual inflation in Iran reaching 66 percent last month. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that imports and exports have declined by nearly 35 percent due to US sanctions and the naval blockade.
Washington has expanded its sanctions campaign, targeting individuals and entities linked to Iran and restricting the branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr bank in the United Arab Emirates from dollar transactions due to alleged dealings with Tehran.
Despite the mounting pressure, Tehran has not indicated any willingness to compromise regarding Hormuz. Pezeshkian has called for reviving the June interim agreement with Washington, stating, "We can solve our problems and gain our privileges with the memorandum of understanding."