Iran: Hormuz Strait to remain closed until US corrects behavior

Iran's top security official has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States changes its approach, signaling a continued standoff.

Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that the council "will never back down; neither in war nor in negotiations." He detailed a series of demands for the U.S. to "correct its behavior." These include an end to all threats against Iran, an end to aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, the removal of strategic naval blockades, and the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iran's vicinity.

Zolqadr also called for reparations for damages from "two wars of aggression" and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets. He further demanded the lifting of "cruel and illegal sanctions" against the nation.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian encouraged the country to move past a state of "neither war nor peace." He asserted that Iran possesses cohesion, strength, and unity, and is perceived as "victorious and powerful in this war." Pezeshkian believes the current moment is optimal for achieving a resolution.