Iran reasserts control over Strait of Hormuz after vessel attacked near Oman

London/Manama (Web Desk): Iran on Friday reaffirmed its authority over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and warned Gulf countries against aligning with the United States, a day after a vessel was attacked near Oman, raising fresh concerns about the stability of the recently announced US-Iran ceasefire framework.

Tehran rejected a joint statement issued by the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which called for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and opposed any attempt to impose transit charges on commercial vessels.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said safe navigation through the strategic waterway could not be guaranteed without recognising Iran's role as a coastal state. He warned that shipping arrangements excluding Tehran's involvement would not ensure maritime security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, concluding his Gulf tour, reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and warned that any Iranian attempt to threaten or obstruct commercial shipping would have serious consequences. He also stressed that any future agreement with Tehran must protect the interests of Washington and its regional allies.

Meanwhile, Gulf states called for a comprehensive agreement addressing Iran's missile programme, drone capabilities and support for regional armed groups, while insisting that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must remain free and unrestricted.

Despite heightened tensions, oil prices continued to decline, while Saudi Aramco resumed crude oil loading operations at its Ras Tanura terminal after a suspension of nearly four months, signalling a gradual recovery in regional energy exports.

Security concerns remained high after a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified object near Oman's coast. US officials blamed Iran for the incident, while Tehran maintained that ships using routes not approved by Iranian authorities would not be guaranteed safe passage.

Separately, negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington were extended for another day as both sides remained divided over the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Lebanon continued to demand a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insisted on maintaining military positions in parts of the border region.

The developments come as the United States and Iran continue technical negotiations aimed at reaching a broader agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, regional security and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.