Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz restricted as Khamenei urges Gulf unity
Iran's Supreme Leader has urged Gulf leaders to identify what he called their "real enemy" as Tehran maintains restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled diplomacy. The message, published on Sunday to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, comes as regional mediation efforts continue over one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Iranian officials say the waterway remains closed or restricted, with vessels required to coordinate with Tehran before crossing.
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Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Saturday that Iran had reached an understanding with Oman on a temporary maritime route, but said its implementation depends on the United States fulfilling commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June and since lapsed. He said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and added that any vessel seeking to cross would need to coordinate with Iran. Gharibabadi also said Iran would take its own measures once the other side, particularly the US, met its obligations.
The restrictions have immediate consequences for shipping through a waterway that, before the war, carried about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Recorded transits remain low, with seven commodity vessels crossing on Thursday, down from 17 the previous day and below the 10-day average of 15, according to data cited in the report. The International Maritime Organization said on Friday that up to 400 ships carrying about 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the disruption began.
The standoff matters because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies and maritime trade. Any prolonged restriction can affect oil and LNG flows well beyond the Gulf, raising risks for shipping companies, insurers and energy markets. The current dispute also sits alongside wider regional diplomacy, with Oman and Qatar both involved in efforts to reduce tensions and restore movement through the strait.
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The report says Iran and Oman have been discussing a temporary joint shipping corridor and mine clearance, while Qatar and Pakistan have intensified mediation efforts. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday, where talks included de-escalation and restoring shipping through Hormuz. The diplomatic activity suggests regional governments are trying to prevent the maritime dispute from widening further.
What remains unclear is how long the restrictions will stay in place and whether the temporary route with Oman can be activated. It is also not clear when, or if, the United States will meet the conditions Iran says are required. For now, the key issue is whether the current mediation efforts can produce a practical arrangement that allows shipping to resume safely and predictably.
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