TEHRAN: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed that the United States and Israel failed to achieve their objectives during the conflict with Iran, as Tehran indicated that negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz were nearing an agreement but would not immediately lead to the waterway’s reopening. Brig Gen Hassan Zadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Mohammad Rasulullah Corps in Tehran, said Iran’s military preparedness and public support had helped the country withstand the US and Israeli campaign. Speaking during an inspection of upgraded air-defence units, Zadeh said Washington and Tel Aviv had failed to accomplish their stated goals and were now facing questions from their own populations and political circles. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said talks with Oman over a temporary shipping arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz were progressing. However, he stressed that an agreement on a shipping route alone would not be sufficient to reopen the strategically important waterway. Iran has linked the reopening of the strait to several conditions, including an end to US threats and attacks, the lifting of sanctions and blockades, compensation for losses and the release of Iranian assets. Tehran has also rejected the previous traffic separation system used by vessels passing through the waterway. Oman described its discussions with Iran as positive and constructive while urging all sides to avoid actions that could undermine the negotiations. Muscat also condemned recent attacks on ships travelling through the strait without assigning responsibility. The developments come amid continued disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. The United Arab Emirates said an oil-related vessel had been struck by a missile while transiting the waterway, although no injuries were reported. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that a vessel caught fire after being hit by an unidentified projectile. The fire was later extinguished, with no environmental damage reported. The United States has said it expects an agreement that could restore commercial shipping and allow restrictions on Iranian ports to be eased. US Central Command said more than 30 vessels had been permitted to pass through the area for humanitarian purposes, while dozens of others had been stopped or subjected to military action. Iranian officials, however, maintain that the strait will only be reopened once Washington accepts Tehran’s demands. Iranian authorities have also warned that any future shipping arrangement must provide Iran with greater control over maritime traffic. The prolonged disruption has contributed to rising energy costs and increased prices for food and other essential goods in Iran, adding further pressure on the country’s economy as negotiations continue.
