Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States changes what Tehran describes as its hostile policy and fulfils a series of demands.
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said Washington must “correct its actions” before the strategically important waterway could be reopened.
In a statement on Saturday, Zolghadr outlined six conditions, including an end to threats against Iran’s supreme leader, a permanent halt to military action against Iran and its regional allies, and the withdrawal of US naval and air assets involved in what Tehran considers a blockade of Iran.
Tehran is also demanding compensation from Washington for damage caused by the recent conflict, the lifting of US sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Zolghadr said the demands reflected the wishes of the Iranian people, citing rallies held across the country over the past six days. He stressed that the Supreme National Security Council would not back down from the conditions, whether during war or negotiations.
Separately, Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said the “Iranian arrangements” governing the Strait of Hormuz were not subject to change. He warned that the US would have to accept the existing situation or face costs far greater than before.
The statements came as negotiations over the future of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remained deadlocked. The waterway is a major international shipping route, making its continued closure a significant concern for regional trade and energy supplies.
Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, bringing an end to hostilities and paving the way for negotiations towards a broader agreement.
The memorandum included plans for the gradual restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, implementation has stalled after both sides accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement.
