Nabavian: US-Iran Draft Brings Oman into Strait of Hormuz Management, Crossing Khamenei's Red Line

Internal Dissent in Tehran

Ahmad Nabavian, the Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, has emerged as a leading critic of the diplomatic track pursued by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In statements carried by the Fotros Resistancee channel, Nabavian expressed deep concern that the draft agreement reflects American demands rather than Iranian sovereignty. He specifically targeted the inclusion of regional neighbors in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s directive required exclusive Iranian management, excluding even Oman from administrative roles.

The Red Line of Exclusive Control

The lawmaker's critique centers on the shift from a military-security posture to a multilateral administrative framework. Nabavian argued that the Supreme Leader's vision for the strait included the collection of tolls from civilian shipping, the blocking of vessels linked to Israel, and the imposition of compensation-related conditions for U.S. civilian vessels. He claims the current draft does none of this, instead allowing for "safe and unlimited passage" for commercial shipping from all nations. This follows earlier reports from May 2026 where other lawmakers, such as Abolfazl Abutorabi, warned that the deal lacked enforcement guarantees and differed "180 degrees" from the Leader's original 10-point plan.

Strategic Implications for the IRGC

If signed, Nabavian warns the consequences for Iran’s security apparatus would be immediate. He stated that the IRGC would be forced to "step back," effectively handing over the waterway to a framework that includes countries hosting U.S. military bases. This internal friction highlights a significant divide in Tehran: while the foreign ministry presents the joint management with Oman as a pragmatic path to lifting the naval blockade, hardline elements view it as a surrender of the leverage gained during the kinetic confrontations of early 2026.

Outlook for the 'Islamabad Agreement'

The escalating rhetoric from Nabavian suggests that the "Islamabad Agreement" faces a difficult ratification process within Iran’s power centers. The core of the dispute remains whether the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway—as the U.S. and international law maintain—or a shared maritime route under the sovereign administration of littoral states. As negotiations continue, the ability of the Araghchi-led team to reconcile these domestic "red lines" with the reality of the U.S. naval blockade will determine if the strait reopens under a stable framework or remains a flashpoint for future conflict.