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

Iran has set strict conditions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its control over the strategic waterway and dismissing US efforts to regain access. Officials from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and military spokespeople declared that the US has been forced to retreat rapidly without achieving its objectives, and must accept the current situation or face higher costs.

Mohammad Baqer Zolfaqari, Iran’s newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, outlined several demands including the removal of sanctions, release of frozen Iranian assets, compensation for war damages, cessation of US military presence in the region, and an end to hostile actions against Iran and its allies. He stressed that the strait will remain closed until the US corrects its behavior.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated ongoing negotiations with Oman regarding a shipping route but clarified that this does not guarantee the strait’s reopening. He accused the US of violating previous agreements and creating alternative shipping lanes to undermine Iran’s control. The Iranian parliament’s deputy speaker echoed the stance that the strait should remain under Iran’s sovereignty, with the Iranian people’s will determining access.

Iran’s position signals a firm refusal to relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, unless Washington meets Tehran’s comprehensive demands. The situation remains tense as Iran continues to assert its strategic leverage in the Gulf region.