'Baseless': Iran Rejects Reports Of Hormuz Closure, Says 'Shipping Operating Normally'

Tehran: Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has rejected reports claiming that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed even after the signing of the peace MoU by Iran and the United States of America. Calling the reports “baseless”, Baghaei told Iranian media that shipping through the waterway is operating normally.

Baghaei told state media PressTV that following the signing of the peace MoU, Iran has taken the necessary measures to ensure safe passage, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is currently underway.

Earlier, there were reports that Iran has closed the crucial waterway amid Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon.

“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” the reports had said, quoting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the reports, the IRGC had also warned all ships to avoid the waterway for safety reasons, adding that any vessel ignoring the directive could be targeted.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has 14 points, one of which states that Iran will ensure free and safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days and will work with Oman and other Gulf states on the future administration of the strategic waterway.

Other points of the peace deal include:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called it a “historic document”, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been committed and steadfast to global peace while preserving its dignity and independence, as well as to progress and regional cooperation.”