Iran has said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the United States ending what it described as hostile actions, including a naval blockade around Iranian ports.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and neighbouring Oman had agreed on a shipping route through the strategic waterway and were finalising arrangements for its joint management. However, he stressed that progress on the agreement would not automatically make the strait safe for international shipping.

According to Baqaei, continued US military activities and other measures against Iran remain the main obstacles to restoring normal navigation.

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of regional tensions since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel escalated earlier this year. Tehran has since maintained effective control over vessel movements, warning that ships using routes it does not approve could face consequences.

Security concerns persist in the region. Britain’s maritime security agency reported that the captain of an oil tanker heard two explosions while sailing near the strait, although the vessel and its crew were unharmed.

Separately, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi authorities had not commented on the claims as of the time of reporting.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Continued disruptions have heightened concerns over energy supplies and global oil prices.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that any diplomatic breakthrough with Iran would take time, citing divisions within Iran’s leadership. Iran, however, denied that negotiations with Washington are taking place despite repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that a deal could be close.