Iran Offers to Open Strait of Hormuz for Sanctions Relief

A senior Iranian government official told Japan's Kyodo News Agency on Tuesday that Tehran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports and ceases military activity in the strait's vicinity. This initiative, approved by Iran's Supreme Leader and the National Security Council, is intended as a basis for talks with mediating nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, aiming to break the deadlock in negotiations. The official dismissed the possibility of a meeting between the Iranian and U.S. presidents in New York but stated that an agreement is achievable.

Concurrently, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted Iran's military capabilities during a ceremony honoring veterans of the Iran-Iraq War. "Today, we can launch our missiles without any limitations toward any target we choose," he declared, adding, "We will not shut down the country and will never surrender. Iran has stable deterrence capability and we are able to stand against them." Ghalibaf emphasized that "negotiation is also a battlefield" and that "diplomacy is not surrender, but turning strength on the ground into a political achievement."

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated in an Al Jazeera interview that Iran conveyed its terms for ending the war to the U.S. via Qatar two days prior and is awaiting President Trump's response. He also mentioned ongoing contacts through Pakistan. Rezaei outlined three conditions for ending the war: cessation of hostilities on all fronts, release of frozen Iranian funds, and lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. He claimed that Trump's assessments of Iran were mistaken and that the war was initiated with Netanyahu's encouragement, asserting that Washington's interest lies in accepting Iran's terms.

Rezaei warned that any further attack on Iran would result in a more forceful response against American bases and interests in the region. He also claimed Iran recently tested an anti-ship missile near a U.S. aircraft carrier. According to Rezaei, Iran has shifted its strategy toward the U.S. after Washington reneged on previous understandings. Regarding the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Rezaei stated no decision has been made on withdrawal, and future steps depend on Washington's conduct. He reiterated Iran's commitment to the former Supreme Leader's fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons development, confirming its nuclear doctrine remains unchanged for now. Rezaei also conveyed that Iran's precondition for any negotiations has been communicated to the U.S. administration, stating that Washington must recognize Iran's rights and accept its terms to escape its self-created predicament.