Iran has laid out a fresh set of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations over the strategic waterway continue amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.
The demands were issued by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and published by state media. The statement was made by council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Tehran has made clear that the Strait will remain closed until Washington changes what Iran describes as its current approach.
Iran demands end to war, sanctions
Among the conditions listed by Iran are a permanent end to the war involving Iran and its allies in West Asia, along with a commitment from the US to make no further threats.
Tehran has also called for the US naval blockade of Iranian ports to be lifted and for American forces to withdraw from the region.
Iran is seeking “full compensation” for damage caused by the war. It has also demanded the “unconditional” release of its frozen assets by the US and the removal of sanctions.
Iran has demanded full compensation, sanctions relief, an end to US threats, the lifting of the naval blockade and withdrawal of American forces from the region before reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The US has not yet responded to the demands. Washington has been waiting for an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz before lifting its naval blockade, which restricts ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The waterway is a major global energy route, accounting for around 20% of the world's oil trade.
Oman talks offer a possible way forward
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on navigation through the strait. However, he indicated that reopening the waterway would depend on additional conditions.
“The opening of the Strait is subject to other conditions, including the compensation for the US’s violations of the Islamabad Agreement,” Araghchi said.
Oman said its discussions with Iran were taking place in “a positive and constructive atmosphere”.
UAE ship attacked in Strait
The developments came after the United Arab Emirates said a vessel owned by state-run ADNOC was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning. No casualties were reported.
US Vice President JD Vance said there had been progress towards an agreement but cautioned that it was still uncertain whether the proposed arrangement would satisfy Washington.
“I try to remind people that we’re really in the middle of the game here," Vance told Fox News.
He added that discussions were focused on creating a system allowing ships to pass through the Strait safely.