Iran reiterated its determination to retain its rights over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that any outside interference would only further complicate the situation. At the same time, Tehran announced that a new round of contacts with Qatar is expected in Doha on Wednesday, focused on implementing the interim agreement with the United States, which includes the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said his country is determined to maintain its right to manage the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that there is no need for outside interference, since this would only complicate matters further.
Baghaei added that talks with Qatar, which is acting as mediator, on implementing the interim agreement between Iran and the United States are likely to take place Wednesday in Doha. The discussions reportedly include the release of frozen Iranian assets, among other issues.
On relations with Washington, the spokesman stressed that the channel of communication between the two countries remains political rather than military, underlining the importance of the diplomatic path in resolving disputes.
He also criticized the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, calling on him to stop issuing political statements and focus instead on his professional mandate as head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog.
Finally, Baghaei said Tehran has not received any details regarding the proposed creation of a dialogue forum with Gulf Arab states in Riyadh, and accused the United States of having heavily politicized the World Cup, acting contrary to the principles expected of a host nation.
