Tehran – Iran has made it clear that the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments, will only be reopened if the country receives full compensation for damages caused by past conflicts, a senior Iranian official said on Sunday.
The announcement followed a provocative warning from US President Donald Trump, who suggested possible military action if Tehran does not comply or reach an agreement regarding the passage. The statement, delivered in strong language, has heightened tensions in the Gulf region.
Mehdi Tabatabaei, vice president for communications in the office of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, described Trump’s remarks as “out of sheer desperation and rage” and accused the US of attempting to provoke “a total war in the region.” Tabatabaei clarified that reopening the strait would require a new legal framework ensuring Iran is compensated for the economic losses suffered during past conflicts. “The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened only when, under a new legal regime, the damages of the imposed war are fully compensated from a portion of the transit toll revenues,” he stated on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Iran has previously indicated that it would continue charging fees for the safe passage of certain oil tankers through the strait, a measure that has been widely criticized by governments and maritime experts. Analysts warn that such fees could disrupt international shipping and energy markets.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations condemned Trump’s warning as a threat to “destroy infrastructure essential to the survival of civilians in Iran,” emphasizing that such actions would constitute war crimes. The mission called on the international community to act immediately, saying, “The international community and all States have legal obligations to prevent these atrocious acts that constitute war crimes. They must act now. Tomorrow will be too late.”
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital passage for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil. Any obstruction could have serious implications for global energy prices and regional stability.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Egypt are reported to be facilitating communications between Iranian and US officials to ease tensions, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts despite rising hostilities. Experts warn that the situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for rapid escalation if negotiations fail.
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