Iran has said the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets a series of demands, including the lifting of a naval blockade and oil sanctions.
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made the statement on Tuesday during a speech broadcast on Iranian state television.
“The Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments … are implemented,” Ghalibaf said.
He said Iran’s demands include the removal of the blockade, the lifting of oil sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad. According to him, the conditions were part of a memorandum of understanding reached during an Iran-US truce in June, which later collapsed.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major global energy route, carrying a significant share of international oil shipments. Since the conflict began, Iran has maintained control over the waterway, requiring vessels to seek permission and pay transit service fees.
Iran and Oman have also been holding discussions on future navigation arrangements through the strait. Tehran said the two countries had agreed on the geographical coordinates of a proposed route and were working towards a joint statement.
The situation has added to tensions between Tehran and Washington, with US President Donald Trump recently threatening military action against Oman if it interferes with efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the waterway.
Ghalibaf said Iran remained prepared to respond to further military action, warning that any response would be proportionate to what he described as the actions and advances of its opponents.
Source: AFP
