Iran Ultimatum to U.S.: Demands Must Be Met for Hormuz Strait Opening

Iran announced that a final agreement with Oman regarding secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, but stressed that the strait will not be opened unless the United States meets Iran's demands. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, confirmed that while a practical framework for a safe passage has been agreed upon with Oman, some technical issues remain in negotiations. These ongoing discussions encompass mechanisms for safe navigation, environmental protection, maritime services, and law enforcement, Baghaei explained. He added that such agreements typically involve economic compensation. If finalized, the deal would reportedly initiate a new 60-day ceasefire period between the U.S. and Iran. However, Tehran maintains that the opening of the strait is contingent on the U.S. agreeing to its demands. "It is up to the American side to cease and make amends for its illegal and destructive actions," Baghaei stated. Earlier, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, chairman of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, presented an extensive list of demands. These include a permanent end to the war, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing forces, revoking all sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, paying war reparations, ceasing "threats and insults," and halting military actions against Iran's allies. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi previously indicated that direct negotiations with the U.S. are not occurring and will not happen as long as the U.S. violates the existing agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump recently described the U.S. approach to Iran as a "dampened" tactic, involving partial negotiations and an attempt to outwait Iran. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked during the conflict.

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It is up to the American side to cease and make amends for its illegal and destructive actions.