Running Electrical Wires in Basement Wall of Strapping
That's only really true where wiring passes through studs (and fastener penetration is likely). Because no one should be mounting anything to those recessed straps, I doubt it's a concern. I'd run the vertical wires in the middle of the stud space and move on. The obvious alternative is to use EMT (metal pipe). 

Here's a discussion that seems to address this exact issue (though the images are broken, unfortunately). The consensus seems to be that there are no setback rules except where wires pass through the studs. 

To be sure you'll pass inspection, ask your inspector.