Iran demands end to US blockade to reopen Hormuz as CENTCOM redirects 55 vessels

TEHRAN/TAMPA, Aug 10: Iran said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz only if the United States ends its naval blockade and halts other actions against the country, as tensions continue to mount around the strategic waterway.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday that lifting the US naval blockade was a condition for reopening the Strait.

“Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is conditional on the lifting of the US naval blockade,” Baghaei said during a press conference.

Baghaei also said Iran and Oman had reached an understanding on a navigation plan for the Strait, although technical issues related to a joint statement were still being discussed.

“The negotiations are proceeding smoothly and constructively,” he said.

Asked about possible fees for vessels using the Strait, Baghaei said no charges had been discussed at this stage of negotiations with Oman. However, he added that fees would “naturally” apply when maritime services are provided.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels as part of efforts to enforce Washington's blockade against Iran.

According to CENTCOM, as of August 9, US forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled two vessels and boarded two others to ensure compliance.

CENTCOM also released images showing US sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross, one of the US warships deployed to the region.

The command said more than 20 US warships are currently deployed in the Middle East in support of military operations, including enforcement of the US blockade against Iran.

The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of escalating tensions, with the waterway serving as a critical route for global energy shipments