Baghaei said that the management of the Strait of Hormuz falls within the jurisdiction of coastal states, adding that Iran will ensure the protection of ships passing through the waterway and will respond to any act of aggression. He further stated that any proposed memorandum of understanding does not include detailed provisions on the management of the strait.
He said that most points in the ongoing negotiations have been agreed upon, but stressed that this does not mean a final deal or signing is imminent. According to him, Iran is currently focused on practical steps and shaping its strategy based on ground realities, while continuing to define its own policy independently. He added that pressure and threats are part of politics, but Iran makes its decisions based on its own assessments.
Baghaei further said that Iran and the United States have reached a general framework and are engaged in talks aimed at ending the conflict, although nuclear issues are not part of the current discussions. He cautioned against assumptions that a formal agreement or announcement is close.
He also said that a proposed ceasefire framework reportedly covers all fronts of the conflict, and that Iran is acting with a focus on implementation rather than rhetoric.