Iran: No Deal on Nuclear Program, Strait of Hormuz Stays Under Our Control

Iran’s foreign minister stated that any potential agreement with the United States to end the war must include Lebanon, but Tehran will not give up its nuclear program. The comments come amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran’s official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) warned against media speculation about a possible memorandum of understanding to end the conflict, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz. IRNA said Iran will not surrender control of the strategic waterway, and the United States will have no role in its future management. Contrary to some media claims, Iran made no commitment to hand over management of the strait or restore it to its pre-aggression state. The only point mentioned is normalizing transit through the strait after the war ends, with maritime security provided by coastal states, an end to the illegal blockade, and removal of threats to commercial shipping from the U.S. and Israel. At Iran’s request, the United States will have no role in the strait’s future management. Tehran says it will resolve the issue directly in talks with Oman.