Strait of Hormuz: Tehran conditions reopening on US guarantees

Iran has declared it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, unless the United States fulfills specific conditions. The primary demand is the cessation of the American "naval blockade" of Iranian ports, which Tehran deems "illegal and destructive."

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the necessary conditions for the Strait of Hormuz to be considered a safe maritime route will not be met as long as the US naval blockade persists. He emphasized that it is up to the American side to "end and repair its illegal and destructive actions."

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, an Iranian official, further detailed Tehran's requirements. These include an end to "war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq." Additionally, Iran demands the lifting of US sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and compensation for war damages, according to the Tasnim news agency.

This stance comes as US President Donald Trump suggested an increase in economic pressure on Iran, seemingly stepping back from further military strikes. Trump had previously described his approach to Iran as a "low profile" and a "chess game," observing Iran's economic struggles. Meanwhile, Iran is pursuing separate negotiations with Oman concerning transit through the Strait of Hormuz, including the potential establishment of a temporary maritime corridor. The Strait normally carries nearly a fifth of global oil supplies, and its closure has significantly impacted world energy prices.