Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Thursday that Iran and Oman will jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. In remarks carried by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB and cited by Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV, Araghchi stated that the two countries bordering the strategic waterway have the "natural right" to coordinate and make decisions regarding its management.
Tehran's Diplomatic Outreach
Araghchi emphasized that Tehran would exchange views with Gulf countries on developments related to the strait. However, he stressed that ultimate decisions concerning its administration will be made solely by Iran and Oman. Both sides are working to ensure safe passage for all ships through the strait, in line with international law.
In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen, Araghchi affirmed that during his tours in the Gulf region, he had conveyed to all regional countries that Iran does not seek war. However, he warned that if war is imposed on Tehran, it will respond decisively.
Supreme Leader's Directives
Araghchi also noted that communication with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains ongoing. Directives from the leader are received "in due time" and implemented precisely. He highlighted broad national consensus around Iran's leadership and stated that state affairs are progressing "in a very good direction."
Top Military Adviser on Strait of Hormuz
In a separate development, top military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaei, described the Strait of Hormuz as "a strong deterrence arm" in Iran's hands. He stated, "The Strait of Hormuz is open for trade, not for military presence," accusing Washington of maintaining maritime pressure despite continued commercial shipping. Rezaei also called for the release of at least $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds to build trust in negotiations.
Support for Hezbollah
Rezaei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to supporting its allies, particularly Hezbollah, which "sacrificed lives" during the recent war. He warned Israel to leave Lebanon, stating that the country would be "an inseparable part of any agreement." The Iranian official also warned that any confrontation would place northern Israel under conditions "far more difficult" than those seen during the 40-day war.
US House Rejects Lebanon War Powers Resolution
The US House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a war powers resolution aimed at preventing US military involvement in Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The "Lebanon War Powers Resolution," introduced by Representative Rashida Tlaib, failed in a 92-324 vote. The measure sought to direct the president to remove any US armed forces present in Lebanon within seven days of adoption.
Following the vote, Tlaib expressed deep regret but vowed to press forward. She stated that her resolution was a critical step toward ending US participation in "the Israeli apartheid regime's ongoing brutal invasion, indiscriminate bombing, and ethnic cleansing campaign in Lebanon." Tlaib added, "This fight is not over," and called on Democratic leadership to support a new war powers resolution.
Democratic Leadership Statement
House Democratic leadership announced they would vote against Tlaib's initial resolution, opting instead to signal support for another war powers resolution introduced on Wednesday. In a joint statement, they said, "We stand with the Lebanese people, the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their efforts to live peacefully and defeat Hezbollah, a violent terrorist organization that is a sworn enemy of the United States." They emphasized that currently, no US service members are involved in combat operations or hostilities in Lebanon.
Ceasefire Renewal
The vote comes a day after Lebanon and Israel agreed to renew their fragile ceasefire and establish "pilot zones" placing the Lebanese army in exclusive territorial control, with all non-state actors excluded. The agreement was announced following a fourth round of US-mediated talks at the State Department.
Trump on Iran Uranium
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Washington does not need a deal with Iran to obtain enriched uranium. "We could get it right now. I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed," he told reporters. Trump also said he does not want to meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei but added that if a deal is reached, a meeting could be possible, and he would be respectful.
