Iran Denies Agreement to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflicting Reports

Iran has officially denied reports claiming an agreement was reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This denial came hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was reported to have agreed to a compromise framework proposed by the United States and Qatari mediators. The Fars news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), labeled these reports as "false" and emphasized that Tehran's policy regarding the strait remains unchanged.

According to the statement, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as the U.S. continues what Iran describes as "hostile actions." Iranian vessels will only be allowed to pass through designated routes with prior approval from the IRGC Navy. Earlier reports suggested the proposed framework would allow ships entering the Gulf to pass through Iranian waters, while those exiting would transit through Omani waters. Oman reportedly agreed to the proposal but sought confirmation that the IRGC also supported it.

The Iranian denial highlights a significant rift between the Foreign Ministry and the IRGC, casting doubt on the existence of any agreement. This development complicates diplomatic efforts following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to cancel a large-scale military strike on Iran and offer another chance for negotiations. Trump has made the immediate and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a key condition for continuing diplomatic talks.