Tehran has blamed US and Israeli military actions for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption to international shipping, while saying talks with Omani representatives are continuing in Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions began last week and remained under way, with a further meeting held on Thursday.

Speaking to the Iranian Labour News Agency, Baghaei said US measures and the insecurity he said Washington had imposed on the waterway were responsible for the strait’s current closure. He said international vessel traffic had been seriously damaged and disrupted as a result of US actions.

Baghaei also attributed the situation to what Iran describes as US and Israeli military aggression and continuing attacks beginning on March 28. He cited attacks on Iranian vessels, what he called illegal blockades of ports and transit routes, and continuing air strikes on Iran. The Foreign Ministry said engagement with Omani officials in Tehran was still ongoing.