Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz, Rejects US Demands

Iran has declared firm conditions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its control over the strategic waterway and rejecting US demands. Iranian officials, including the Revolutionary Guards spokesman and military representatives, stated that the US has been forced to retreat rapidly and must accept the current situation without achieving any gains. The Revolutionary Guards spokesman described the strait as a battleground until the US complies with Iran's terms.

Mohammad Baqer Zulfaqar, Iran's newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, outlined key demands: the US must cease hostile behavior, remove sanctions, release frozen Iranian assets, compensate for war damages, and withdraw military forces from the region. He stressed that the strait will remain closed until the US corrects its conduct.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted progress in talks with Oman regarding a shipping route but clarified that this does not guarantee the strait's reopening. He accused the US of violating a memorandum of understanding by diverting ships to alternative routes, undermining Iran's management of the strait. Araghchi warned that Iran will not tolerate breaches of the agreement or challenges to its sovereignty.

Additionally, Iranian parliament deputy chairman Haji Babai affirmed that the strait should remain under Iranian control, with the Iranian people's will determining access. He suggested that if Iran decides to block all ship passage, the public would support such a move.

The situation underscores Tehran's firm stance on maintaining dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and its readiness to keep it closed until all Iranian conditions are met, signaling ongoing tensions with the United States over regional security and navigation rights.