The necessary conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz do not exist while the US naval blockade remains in place, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, Mehr reports.

Baghaei added that it is up to the US to stop and make amends for its destructive actions so that the sides could then discuss the next steps.

Asked about the possibility of Iran imposing transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said discussions on such details are still underway and that Iran is not currently discussing the issue.

Baghaei added that the talks have also covered mechanisms for monitoring the safety of navigation, environmental issues and the provision of maritime services. He noted that the provision of such services would naturally entail service charges.

Regarding mine clearance along the central route of the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei referred to Clause 5 of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) that he said was violated by the US, stressing that Iran’s role had been clearly specified in the agreement.

He said the MoU assigned Iran responsibility for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, including ensuring its security, which encompasses securing and clearing the waterway of mines. He added that the matter should be pursued between the two coastal states, namely Iran and Oman.

The Iranian MFA spokesperson further said the northern and southern routes would be transformed into a central route following an agreement, arguing that the US has created the current situation by establishing a route contrary to the Islamabad MoU.