Full Breakdown
Iran Seeks Joint Control of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman Amid U.S. Negotiations
6/25/2026, 2:15:03 AM
Joint Management Talks on the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Omani Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Albusaidi in Muscat on 23 June 2026 to discuss a joint Iranian-Omani mechanism for administering the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement referenced clause 5 of the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), which calls for defining future maritime services and administration of the strait.
Background & Context
The February 2026 U.S.–Iran war heightened Tehran’s use of the strait as a bargaining tool. Iran’s June “closure” aimed to pressure Washington to enforce a ceasefire in Lebanon, lift the naval blockade, and release frozen assets. The MoU’s clause 5 on strait administration and clauses 1, 4, 10, 11 on ceasefire, blockade removal, oil-sanctions waivers and asset release shape Tehran’s sequencing of demands before nuclear talks.
Data & Conflicting Reports
Windward recorded 12 ships transiting the strait on 22 June, down from over 21 the day before, with five of eight inbound vessels operating “dark.” Kpler noted 20 tankers on the preceding Thursday, still far below pre-war daily volumes of >100 ships. Iran’s claim of a full closure therefore conflicts with observed traffic.
Official Statements & Responses
Iranian UN Ambassador Ali Bahreini rejected any U.S. role in deciding how unfrozen assets are used. Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said Iran has “no obligation” to buy U.S. agricultural products under the MoU. U.S. Vice President JD Vance replied that any unfrozen assets must fund such purchases. Omani FM Badr Albusaidi affirmed “toll-free safe passage.”
Criticism & Opposition
Fars News accused Tasnim News of backing Ghalibaf’s pro-negotiation stance, exposing internal factional rifts. Legal analysts warn that imposing fees in an international strait would breach UNCLOS Article 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[9] Iran’s Central Bank Governor, Abdolnaser Hemmati, told regime media on June 23 that Iran has “no obligation” to buy US agricultural products under the terms of the MoU.” — Abdolnaser Hemmati, Central Bank Governor
- “[10] US Vice President JD Vance told reporters on June 22 that, if the United States unfroze Iranian assets, Iran would have to use the assets to purchase US agricultural products.” — JD Vance, U.S. Vice President
- “significantly influence the global economy.” — Mohammad Mokhber, Supreme Leader Adviser
Why It Matters
Managing roughly 20 % of global oil shipments gives Tehran leverage over prices and supply. Institutionalized tolls would set a precedent in international maritime law and expand Iran’s geopolitical influence.
What’s Next
Swiss talks will refine clause 5’s fee regime and draft a joint Iran-Oman maritime-services framework. The United States will monitor compliance with the 60-day toll-free passage provision and proceed with lifting its blockade per the MoU.
