Iran Calls for Gulf Cooperation Amid Hormuz Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a rare call for Islamic leaders, particularly in West Asia and the Gulf, to recognize their 'real enemy' and confront it. The statement came in a message on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue unabated.

This is one of Khamenei's few public remarks since the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 that killed his father and predecessor, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son, now holds the top leadership position.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carried approximately 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas before the conflict, remains under tight Iranian control. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on August 30 that Iran had reached a provisional agreement with Oman on a shipping route, but its implementation depends on the U.S. fulfilling commitments under a memorandum signed between the two countries in mid-June, which has now expired.

Gharibabadi stressed: 'The Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Any vessel wishing to pass must coordinate with Iran. Implementing this agreement requires the other side, especially the U.S., to fulfill its commitments. Once those commitments are met, Iran will also take its measures.'

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary joint shipping corridor and mine clearance. Qatar and Pakistan are also stepping up mediation efforts. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran on August 29 to push for de-escalation and the resumption of maritime traffic through Hormuz.

Surveys show vessel traffic through the strait remains low. According to data from Kpler cited by Reuters, only 7 cargo ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on August 29, down sharply from 17 ships the previous day and below the 15-ship daily average over the past ten days. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) says up to 400 ships carrying about 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Gulf safely since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged: 'New political will and cooperation are needed' to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.

Economic pressure on Tehran is mounting. Iran's annual inflation hit 66% last month. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that exports and imports have dropped nearly 35% due to U.S. sanctions and naval blockade. Washington has also expanded its sanction campaign, targeting Iran-linked individuals and entities, while restricting branches of Egypt's Banque Misr in the UAE from dollar transactions over alleged dealings with Tehran.

Still, Tehran shows no sign of backing down on Hormuz. President Pezeshkian instead called for reviving the provisional agreement with Washington from June. He said: 'We can resolve issues and achieve our rights through the memorandum of understanding.'