Iran Demands Extensive Conditions from US to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Iran has escalated its demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, now requiring the United States to meet a lengthy list of conditions beyond mere control of the strategic waterway. A senior Iranian official, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, declared on Saturday that the strait will remain closed until the US changes its behavior and complies with Tehran's demands. These include a permanent end to hostilities against Iran and its allies, lifting of port blockades, removal of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and full compensation for damages caused by fighting since February 28, 2026.

Previously, US President Donald Trump had been willing to end the conflict without concessions from Iran and even considered granting Iran ownership of the passage. However, Iran's position has hardened, effectively rejecting any reopening without satisfying its extensive conditions. The ceasefire agreement reached in June collapsed in early July, leading to renewed US strikes and Iranian retaliations. Iran continues to block the vital maritime route and attacks vessels passing through without its approval, demanding future toll payments, a move Washington has opposed but recently showed some flexibility toward.

Despite ongoing Iranian attacks over the past week, the US has refrained from retaliatory strikes. Meanwhile, Oman’s Foreign Ministry reported positive and constructive talks with Iran about alternative transit routes, though a UAE oil tanker was recently hit by a missile in the strait. Since the conflict began, 15 ships have been attacked in the area.

US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain to assess regional security amid the tensions. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a mutual defense agreement, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizing the need for regional powers to take control rather than rely on external hegemonic forces. He also suggested Egypt might join the alliance in the future.