Pakistani ambassador says opening the waterway is now the main topic in talks, though it was not initially on the agenda.
10:46 AM
The opening of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the primary focus in ongoing negotiations concerning Iran, according to Pakistani Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.
In an interview with TASS on May 12, Tirmizi stated that the strait's opening represents "the most pressing issue right now," despite not being part of the original negotiating agenda. "Frankly speaking, since these negotiations are extremely confidential and we are not privy to the details, it is the opening of the Strait of Hormuz," the ambassador said when asked about the central topics and disagreements impeding progress.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global shipping route. According to Tirmizi, 22 percent of the world's oil passes through the waterway, along with liquefied natural gas, fertilizers, and raw materials used in fertilizer production. The ambassador also noted that approximately 30 million expatriates depend on the strait for their livelihoods and access to resources.
Tirmizi acknowledged the confidential nature of the negotiations, indicating that limited information about specific details has been made public. The shift of focus toward the strait's opening status suggests a significant development in the diplomatic discussions, as the issue gained prominence only after negotiations had commenced.
Iran proposes ending its control of the strategic waterway and the war in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions, postponing nuclear talks.
Two U.S. military vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom, an operation to clear blocked commercial shipping, as Iran claimed missile strikes.
Iran has sent its response to a US peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, focusing on ending the war and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said it seized two container vessels for maritime violations as tensions escalate over competing blockades in the strategic waterway.
Alexei Mordashov's vessel Nord sailed through the blockaded waterway after maintenance in Dubai, with neither Iran nor the US objecting.
Brent crude fell below $90 a barrel after Iran declared the strategic waterway completely open for commercial traffic during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
