Iranian Official Lays Out Conditions for Fully Reopening the Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian presidential official has tied any full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to new legal and financial terms. On April 5, CCTV News cited Mehdi Tabatabai, deputy head of Iran's Presidential Office in charge of news and communications, as saying the waterway would only be fully reopened once a new legal framework is in place and prior vessel toll revenues are used to compensate Iran for losses incurred in past wars. Tabatabai also used social media to attack U.S. President Donald Trump and his policies, accusing him of hurling insults out of "desperation and anger" and arguing that reckless actions have ignited a full-scale conflict in the region. CNN reported that a separate "potential arrangement" is being discussed between Oman and Iran to restore transit. An Omani source said talks have been underway for roughly two weeks on a "safe passage agreement" to resume commercial shipping. Under the proposal, oil and gas tankers transiting the strait would register with Iran and agree to fly flags of non-hostile nations, a step that would effectively recognize Iran's jurisdiction over the strategic route. The effort is described as one of Oman's last attempts to prevent further escalation, consistent with its past role mediating between Washington and Tehran. The source cautioned that pushing an agreement forward during wartime is "extremely difficult", adding that the best outcome would be an immediate ceasefire. PolyBeats tracking shows the Polymarket prediction for the strait resuming navigation this month has fallen to 12%.