Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under the administrative supervision of the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with international law. His remarks came after the first round of talks between Iran and the United States held in Switzerland, according to Iranian state media.

Following the discussions, both countries agreed to establish a direct communication system to keep the vital maritime route open and to work toward ending the conflict in Lebanon. Ghalibaf described the talks at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort as productive, citing progress on issues including the Hormuz Strait, the Lebanon conflict, easing of sanctions on Iranian oil, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The United States temporarily suspended some oil sanctions after the talks, while Tehran agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country.

Ghalibaf emphasized that this was only the beginning of further efforts. After the Swiss meetings, he also visited Oman, another coastal state bordering the Strait of Hormuz.