Tehran: Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the United States fully accepts its demands, even as negotiations between Tehran and Oman regarding a temporary shipping route near completion.
Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated in a written message that the strategic waterway would remain closed until Washington “corrects its behavior.” He specified that this requires a permanent end to aggression against Iran and its allies, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing US naval and air forces from around Iran, compensating for war damages, lifting sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. He stressed that the council would not back down in either war or diplomacy.
Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that talks with Oman on an interim shipping arrangement were very close to being finalized. However, he clarified that a routing deal with Oman does not automatically mean reopening the strait, as that remains subject to separate conditions, including US compensation for alleged violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. The IRGC echoed this stance, emphasizing that navigation agreements and the decision to reopen the waterway are distinct issues. Meanwhile, Oman condemned attacks on maritime traffic and described the ongoing talks as positive and constructive.
From the US perspective, Vice President JD Vance noted that Iran had assured Washington it would not impose tolls in the strait and that regional discussions covered mine clearance and commitments not to target commercial vessels. However, Vance emphasized that Washington would verify Iran’s actions before granting pressure relief, aligning with reports that the US offered to lift port blockades only if unrestricted shipping is restored. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked that despite mistrust toward the US, now is the most opportune moment to conclude diplomatic negotiations to move Iran out of a state of conflict.
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