Tehran signals a major shift in Gulf security policy after US-Iran talks, warning that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will now operate under new realities.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz would “never return to its pre-war conditions,” signaling a significant change in Tehran’s approach toward one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Speaking after talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the US-Israeli war involving Iran, Ghalibaf said the waterway would now be administered by the Islamic Republic “in accordance with international law.”
“The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying after returning from negotiations held at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland.
The comments came a day after Iran and the United States agreed to establish direct communication channels to prevent incidents in the strategic waterway and help maintain safe passage for commercial vessels.
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The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it daily.
According to Iranian media, Ghalibaf described the talks in Switzerland as yielding “good achievements,” particularly on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
The United States also temporarily suspended sanctions on Iranian oil after U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Tehran had agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country.
As part of the emerging agreement, Iran is expected to receive limited sanctions relief and access to previously frozen funds.
Iran had initially closed the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the conflict before reopening it last week following diplomatic progress with Washington. However, Tehran announced another temporary closure after renewed Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Qatari and Pakistani mediators later confirmed that Tehran and Washington agreed to maintain communication lines to avoid misunderstandings and ensure maritime safety in the Gulf.
Despite the tensions, maritime tracking firms reported that commercial shipping traffic through the Strait continued moving on Monday at a faster pace than before the latest US-Iran negotiations.
