Iran denies Axios claims, affirms Strait of Hormuz decisions belong to Tehran, Muscat

EHRAN, July 11 (YPA) – An Iranian source on Saturday rejected claims reported by the US news website Axios regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the strategic waterway falls entirely within the internal and territorial waters of Iran and Oman.

In a statement to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the source said the geographical status of the strait gives Tehran and Muscat the exclusive authority to make decisions concerning its management.

“Any decision regarding the management of the strait will be made solely by these two countries,” the source stated.

The source added that, under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, decisions related to future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz fall under Iran’s responsibility and will be addressed through dialogue with Oman.

It further explained that the participation of a Qatari representative in the Iranian-Omani talks is consistent with Doha’s role as a mediator and facilitator of Iran’s consultations with other regional countries, as outlined in the memorandum.

AA