Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US concessions on several demands

Iran announced it is nearing a final agreement with Oman to establish new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the country reiterated its conditions for reopening the strategic waterway, demanding that the U.S. meet several demands, including compensation for damages, an end to sanctions, and a halt to military threats.

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an agreement with Oman on the strait was in its 'final stages'

An Iranian Foreign Ministry official stated on Sunday that the agreement with Oman was in its "final stages." He reiterated comments from Saturday, emphasizing that Tehran would not reopen the channel unless the U.S. fulfilled specific demands. The deal would outline the new shipping lanes to be used once these conditions are met and the strait is reopened.

While Iran and the U.S. are not in direct talks, messages are being exchanged through intermediaries. A U.S. official confirmed that Iran and Oman were close to a deal that could allow for the restoration of safe passage through the strait, which is a critical route for oil and gas shipments. The official noted that U.S. actions, such as lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, would be contingent upon Iran's fulfillment of its commitments.

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Tehran would not reopen the channel unless the U.S. met certain demands made by Tehran.

Iran's demands also include an end to further U.S. threats, a cessation of aggression towards Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, the removal of a U.S. naval blockade in the Gulf, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. These demands follow U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran that began in late February, which the U.S. stated were aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

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Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.