Iran has warned that it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfils key commitments outlined in a previous truce agreement, including lifting a naval blockade.
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made the declaration on Tuesday during a speech broadcast on state television.
“I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding are implemented,” Ghalibaf said.
He identified the removal of the blockade, lifting of oil sanctions and unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad as some of Tehran’s key demands. The conditions were reportedly contained in a June truce agreement between Iran and the United States, which later collapsed.
The conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, triggering a wider regional confrontation. Diplomatic efforts since April 8 have helped halt intense bombardments, although sporadic clashes have continued, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has maintained control over the strategic waterway, a crucial route for global energy supplies, since the conflict began. Vessels have reportedly been required to obtain permission and pay transit service fees, a policy opposed by Washington and several countries in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have continued negotiations over navigation arrangements in the strait. Tehran said the two countries had agreed on the geographical coordinates of a proposed navigation route.
Iran said on Monday that discussions were continuing “in a serious manner” as both sides exchanged views on the text of a proposed joint statement.
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran over the strait. He has also demanded that Iran surrender as the conflict increasingly becomes a political challenge for his administration.
Ghalibaf, however, maintained a defiant position, saying Iran was prepared to deliver an even greater defeat to its opponents.
He said Iran was “ready to inflict an even more crushing defeat on the enemy, proportionate to its actions and advances.”
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