The IRGC-linked Fars News Agency denied reports of an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating the waterway remains closed. Footage from the strait purportedly shows numerous vessels awaiting approval from the IRGC Navy.
The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency on Sunday denied reports of an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling the reports false and asserting that the strategic waterway remains closed. The agency also released footage it claims shows a large number of vessels waiting for permission to pass from the IRGC Navy. The denial is the latest in a rapid cascade of Iranian rejections of any diplomatic breakthrough regarding the strait.
Earlier today at 12:20 Jerusalem time, The Zioneer reported that the IRGC stated passage through the strait would only be permitted on a pre-announced route and with approval from its naval forces, as long as the United States continues its 'hostile actions.' That statement followed a denial from a source close to the Iranian negotiating team, who also rejected claims of an agreement. The cascade of denials began after reports emerged of a potential deal, which were quickly dismissed by multiple Iranian channels, including the IRGC itself and the semi-official Fars agency.
The IRGC has maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since late June, as The Zioneer has reported. The closure was initially declared in response to 'foreign intervention' and has since been enforced with threats of disabling vessels attempting unauthorized transit. In late June, the IRGC declared the strait closed to Israel-linked vessels, and subsequent incidents included the disabling of oil tankers. The IRGC has framed the blockade as a response to US and Israeli operations and has rejected diplomatic efforts including the 'Islamabad Agreement.'
It remains unclear whether any diplomatic discussions were underway prior to the denials. The status of the strait's closure continues, with the IRGC asserting sole control over passage. No independent verification of the footage released by Fars has been confirmed.
4 developments
- StrongIranian outlets claim Strait of Hormuz remains closed, contradicting US denials
- DevelopingIRGC threatens to re-close Strait of Hormuz unless it gets sole control guarantees, WSJ reports
- StrongIRGC attacked vessel in Strait of Hormuz overnight, Channel 14 reports
- DevelopingIRGC seizes two ships in Strait of Hormuz, forces four others to turn back — Fars agency
Source and signal
- Open-source intake