Hormuz Strait may reopen if US ‘aggression’ ends: Iran

Iran has said it will reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz only if what it calls US “aggression” comes to an end, amid rising regional tensions.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran is ready to ensure safe passage through the strait but stressed that reopening it depends on the United States halting its actions.

“The Strait will reopen only after the United States actually withdraws this aggression,” he said in an interview.

Khatibzadeh noted that the waterway had remained open for centuries before the current conflict and said Iran would act in line with international law.

However, he argued that the strait is not entirely in international waters and that safe passage depends on the “goodwill of Iran and Oman.”

He added that Iran wants the route to remain peaceful but warned against the Gulf being “misused by warships.”

On broader regional tensions, Khatibzadeh called on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreed with the United States, while accusing Israel of violating the truce through continued strikes in Lebanon.

Addressing Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah, he acknowledged that Tehran provides support but insisted the group does not act on Iran’s behalf.

He also said the United States must choose between war and diplomacy, urging de-escalation across the Middle East.