• Senior Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian called a potential Strait of Hormuz agreement a 'pure loss' if it reopens the waterway without Iranian sovereignty, transit fees, or clear sanctions relief.
  • Nabavian also said conditioning Iran's peaceful nuclear activity on U.S. approval would conflict with national interests and leadership guidelines.
  • The remarks highlight deepening internal debate in Tehran as international talks on the strategic waterway intensify.

Sovereignty and Fees at Stake

Mahmoud Nabavian, a prominent Iranian lawmaker, on Thursday sharply criticized ongoing negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any deal reopening the waterway without securing Iranian sovereignty, transit fees, or explicit sanctions relief would be a "pure loss" for the country. His comments, reported by state-linked media, come as Iranian officials have floated a range of conditions for restoring full transit through the strategic chokepoint, which has been a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran tensions.

"Without a formal framework that guarantees our rights, any reopening would undermine national interests," Nabavian said, according to people familiar with the matter. He also argued that linking Iran's peaceful nuclear activities to U.S. approval — as part of broader negotiations — would violate the Supreme Leader's guidelines and compromise the country's sovereignty.

Talks Intensify Amid Uncertainty

Iran has publicly indicated that any agreement to secure the Strait of Hormuz must include sovereignty guarantees, potential transit fees, and compensation for past losses, while also tying reopening to broader sanctions relief. Multiple Iranian officials have framed the issue as leverage in negotiations, with some lawmakers discussing the possibility of restricting Hormuz in response to Western pressure. This internal debate underscores the delicate balance Tehran must strike between securing economic gains and maintaining political credibility.

International coverage points to a broader push for a formalized governance framework for Hormuz, contrasting with ad hoc past arrangements. A durable settlement would likely require robust legal architecture involving neighboring states and major users of the strait. The U.S. has not publicly confirmed any binding agreement, and no official text has been released, fueling market volatility.

Market and Geopolitical Implications

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical oil chokepoint, with about 20% of global oil supply passing through daily. Any change in transit conditions could alter shipping costs, insurance, and tanker routing, affecting energy prices worldwide. Analysts warn that the current ambiguity keeps markets on edge. A formal framework that guarantees Iran’s interests could stabilize passage, but the risk of miscalculation — such as a unilateral closure attempt — remains high.

Broader Diplomatic Context

The debate occurs amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and ongoing sanctions. Both sides have offered diverging interpretations of potential terms, with no formal text published. Nabavian’s remarks signal that any deal will face serious scrutiny from hardliners in parliament, potentially complicating negotiations. Attempts to reach a spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry were unsuccessful.

Update: This article has been updated to reflect Nabavian’s remarks at a parliamentary session on Thursday.