Iran Ratchets Up Talk of Controlling Hormuz Before New Talks

(Bloomberg) — Iran reiterated its determination to control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes ahead of fresh talks in Qatar on formally ending its war with the US.

Speaking to state television, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran wants to work out an agreement with Oman, which borders the southern side of the vital waterway, to oversee ships passing through Hormuz. But Iran will move forward with its own plans “if for any reason Oman is not interested in doing so,” he said.

“We have warned the Omanis that other countries have no