Iran Says US Pressure on Oman Is Delaying Strait of Hormuz Coordination

Iran said on Monday that it is working with Oman to create a joint system to manage the Strait of Hormuz, but claimed that US pressure on Muscat has delayed progress.

Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran wants to reach an agreement with Oman on managing the key waterway. However, he claimed that pressure from the United States has slowed the process.

Baghaei also said Iran will not implement its commitments under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States unless Washington fulfills its own obligations. He said Iran’s compliance depends on both sides meeting their commitments.

The comments came as fighting between Iran and the United States continued. On Sunday, both sides exchanged missile and drone attacks. Iran said it targeted US facilities across the Gulf and again closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global oil prices higher.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they carried out strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, destroyed radar systems in Oman, and hit fuel tanks and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.

The US military said it responded by striking Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile and drone facilities, and small boats using aircraft, warships, and drones.

The latest attacks have raised fresh concerns about the future of the interim agreement signed by Iran and the United States last month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and continue negotiations.

US President Donald Trump commented on the latest strikes, saying, “We’re beating them up.”

Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, also posted on X, saying, “The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.”

The ongoing conflict has increased tensions across the Gulf and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said regular shipping could resume only if the United States ends its military operations in the area. They warned that continued military activity could affect the global oil and gas sector.

Brent crude oil rose 4.3% to $79.31 a barrel on Monday as concerns over supplies increased.

Iran has also said ships must receive its permission before passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It claimed the waterway remains closed because of what it described as illegal US military activity in the region.

The United States rejected Iran’s claim, saying the Strait remains open and that US forces are working to protect freedom of navigation. It also said ships can continue using an expanded southern route near Oman despite the security risks.