Iran issues tough demands for Hormuz Strait reopening as UAE reports missile attack

Iran has issued stringent demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, linking it to the United States "correcting its behavior" and meeting a list of conditions. The Supreme National Security Council, Iran's top political body, stated the waterway would remain closed until the U.S. ceases threats, ends its military presence in the region, lifts sanctions, and compensates Iran for war damages. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and secretary of the council, articulated these demands.

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The US must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must “completely compensate” Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and “unconditionally” release frozen assets.

These developments occurred as the United Arab Emirates reported that one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile while transiting the strategic strait. The UAE's Foreign Ministry stated Iran fired the missile, adding another layer of tension to the already fraught situation. The U.S. has not yet commented on Iran's demands, having previously sought an agreement on passage through the strait before lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Despite the escalating tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that progress was being made on navigation, particularly regarding a transit route. However, he emphasized that the waterway's reopening depended on other conditions, blaming the U.S. for violating an interim deal. Oman, mediating the talks, described the discussions as ongoing in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and condemned attacks on ships in the strait.

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they were close to reaching an agreement on navigation, “specifically the determination of a transit route”.

The negotiations, which began under a 60-day memorandum signed in June, are nearing their deadline but could be extended. The interim deal included provisions for ending sanctions and compensation, with frozen assets to be addressed in the final agreement. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, has seen reduced ship transits due to ongoing disputes and attacks.

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in a positive and constructive atmosphere