Kathmandu— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has called for unity among Gulf nations and urged them to determine their “real enemy” while Tehran continues to maintain a hard line regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The call comes as regional mediators attempt to revive diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions stemming from ongoing conflict and restrictions on maritime traffic since late February. Iran has indicated that restoring normal shipping through the strait is contingent upon the United States fulfilling commitments outlined in a previously signed memorandum of understanding, which has now expired.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday to discuss de-escalation and the restoration of shipping through Hormuz. Simultaneously, Oman and Iran have been in talks regarding a temporary joint shipping corridor and mine clearance operations. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that an understanding with Oman had been reached concerning a maritime route, but its implementation hinges on US adherence to the lapsed memorandum of understanding signed in June.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Restricted

Despite ongoing negotiations, Iran maintains restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Gharibabadi affirmed that the strait remains “closed,” requiring any vessel seeking transit to coordinate with Iranian authorities. Recorded transits have significantly decreased; Reuters reported only seven commodity vessels crossed on Thursday, down from 17 the previous day and below the recent ten-day average of 15. The International Maritime Organization estimates up to 400 ships carrying approximately 6,000 seafarers are currently unable to safely leave the Gulf.

Economic Pressures Mount on Iran

The diplomatic push is occurring against a backdrop of increasing economic hardship for Iran. Annual inflation reached 66 percent last month, and President Masoud Pezeshkian reported that imports and exports have declined by nearly 35 percent due to US sanctions and the naval blockade. Washington has further expanded its sanctions campaign, targeting individuals and entities linked to Iran and restricting dollar transactions involving branches of Egypt’s Banque Misr bank in the United Arab Emirates.

Tehran Seeks Revival of Interim Agreement

Despite mounting economic pressure, Tehran has not signaled any intention to alter its stance on the Strait of Hormuz. President Pezeshkian expressed a desire to revive the interim agreement signed with Washington in June, stating that it could provide a pathway to resolving current challenges and regaining certain privileges for Iran.

Negotiations are ongoing, but the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain pending commitments from all parties involved. The situation continues to be monitored closely by international maritime organizations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.