Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington accepts seven conditions, escalating the U.S.-Iran confrontation and threatening to prolong disruptions to global shipping and energy markets.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Sunday that Tehran’s position was “clear and firm” and that the waterway would not reopen until the terms of a June understanding are met. The announcement followed a U.S. response, delivered through Qatari intermediaries, to an Iranian proposal presented during the United Nations General Assembly. Under Tehran’s plan, the strait could return to normal operations within seven days after Washington accepts the conditions, while nuclear discussions would resume afterward.
Iranian officials have not publicly released the full seven-point list, but previously reported demands include lifting the U.S. naval blockade and sanctions, withdrawing American forces from the region, releasing frozen Iranian assets and paying compensation for war damage. Tehran has also called for an end to U.S. attacks on its regional allies and threats against Iran. The United States has focused its public position on nuclear negotiations, while Iran says restoring security and navigation through Hormuz is its immediate priority.
The dispute keeps pressure on a waterway that carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the conflict, raising the risk of further shipping delays and energy-price volatility.