Iran says Strait of Hormuz stays closed militarily despite Oman route deal

Iran has rejected claims the Strait of Hormuz has reopened, insisting the waterway remains closed militarily despite a temporary maritime route agreement with Oman. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the arrangement applies only to commercial vessels. Under the temporary plan, ships entering the Persian Gulf will use Iranian waters, while exiting vessels will pass through Omani territorial waters, with both routes crossing Iranian waters. The arrangement spans a total width of about 7 miles, and Iran and Oman will negotiate a permanent route within 30 to 60 days. Gharibabadi said military vessels are barred from the strait under the memorandum, and the armed forces lead route determinations. The comments followed US President Donald Trump's warning that any new mines laid in international waters would trigger an immediate military response.