Iran Maintains Strait of Hormuz Control Claims as US Pushes Back, Pakistan Mediates Talks

Iran’s negotiating team has reiterated its demand that the United States honor the original memorandum of understanding and implement Clause 5, which Tehran interprets as giving it authority over transit arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz. The stance was conveyed to mediators, indicating that no substantive shift in positions has occurred.

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, told Reuters that talks have made “significant progress,” though Iranian officials have only expressed a general willingness to re-engage with Washington. Iran is also discussing a temporary corridor with Oman, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said the two countries could soon announce arrangements to restore safe navigation.

The United States has warned that companies complying with Iranian safe-passage requirements could face sanctions, and it has taken steps to keep commercial traffic moving without Iranian permission or fees. President Donald Trump announced that the US Navy cleared mines from international waters in the strait, and two US officials confirmed the clearing of the traffic separation scheme between Iran and Oman.

Within Iran, senior officials are debating a more proactive response to sustained US economic pressure. Defa Press, a state-run outlet, argued that the Supreme National Security Council secretary, Major General Mohsen Rezaei, should shift from a “reactive defense” to “active deterrence.” Rezaei warned on X that continued economic pressure could halt all oil exports from the Persian Gulf and that any country supporting the US campaign would be treated as an act of war.

Analysts note that Iran could consider targeting fixed regional energy infrastructure or conducting cyber-attacks to impose costs on global energy markets, though no specific targets have been identified. Former Vice President Mostafa Hashemitaba cautioned that attacks on neighboring oil facilities could have serious repercussions for Iran.

To mitigate domestic economic strain, Iran’s Economic Affairs and Finance Minister Ali Madani Zadeh announced alternative financial and trade channels, while the Central Bank injected $500 million in foreign-currency banknotes and tightened controls on foreign-exchange and gold speculation. These measures aim to support liquidity and employment but do not address longer-term inflation and currency challenges.

In Iraq, Iranian-backed officials met with Iraqi judicial leaders in Tehran to discuss legal cooperation and US sanctions. Separate meetings in Baghdad involved Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaydi, Iranian representatives, and Shia coordination groups to coordinate security responses to anti-regime Kurdish groups and to develop a regional security plan for Baghdad amid militia tensions.