TEHRAN, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian diplomat said on Tuesday that Tehran will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war status, warning that any European warship seeking to approach the strategic waterway would be considered a "legitimate target."
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi told state-run IRIB TV that if the strait's situation returns to what it was before the war, "our success in the war will not be complete."
Gharibabadi added that to establish its sovereignty over the strait, Iran does not fear a resumption of the war.
Describing the strait as a "new defense capacity" now becoming part of Iran's national security, he said that Tehran's future management arrangements will have long-term impacts on the country's security.
Gharibabadi also revealed that Oman had sought to bring in a third country for mine clearance operations through the strait's southern section, but Iran rejected that.
Turning to U.S. relations, the official said that Iran had made no request for negotiations with the United States within the past 15 days.
"The Americans asked us to hold talks, and sent us a message through Oman that they will not take military actions against us," Gharibabadi said.
On bilateral discussions with Oman, Gharibabadi said Tehran is negotiating solely with Muscat on issues pertaining to the strait.
He noted that Oman had proposed a joint route with 50-50 control, but Iran said that the proposal cannot remove its concerns, arguing that allowing the southern route to remain open would undermine its sovereignty over the strait.
Instead, Tehran has proposed that it must have full control over the strait's entry route and partial control over its exit route, Gharibabadi added, saying that if Oman accepts the offer, "we will move on to the next stage;" If not, the strait will remain closed and "we are ready for the war's resumption."
Iran tightened its grip on the strait on Feb. 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have sent global energy prices soaring and contributed to the escalation that led to rounds of U.S. airstrikes against Iran. ■
