Tehran — Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until seven conditions linked to an interim agreement with the United States are fulfilled, adding fresh uncertainty to already tense negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Sunday that Tehran's position on the strategically important waterway remains firm. According to Iranian state-linked media, he said the strait would remain closed until Iran's seven conditions, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, are met.
Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening the Strait
Qalibaf said the United States had recently submitted proposals through a mediator after receiving Iran's diplomatic proposal. However, he argued that Washington should understand that Tehran would no longer accept prolonged negotiations or one-sided demands.
Iranian officials have made reopening the Strait of Hormuz a central part of their diplomatic demands.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately said that a plan proposed by Tehran could allow the waterway to reopen within seven days if the United States accepts Iran's conditions.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. A large share of global oil and natural gas shipments normally passes through the narrow waterway.
Any prolonged disruption could affect international energy markets, shipping costs and global supply chains.
The current situation has already created uncertainty for commercial vessels operating in and around the region, while tensions between Iran and the United States remain high.
Iran Focuses on the Strait
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran's immediate priority is finding a solution that would restore security and stability in the waterway.
Iran has indicated that the United States must take clear steps before normal maritime traffic can resume.
The dispute is also connected to broader disagreements between the two countries, including nuclear issues, sanctions and the wider conflict in the Middle East.
Tehran Warns Against Military Action
Iranian officials have also warned that diplomacy remains preferable but said Tehran is prepared to respond if Washington chooses military action.
Araghchi said Iran hopes the United States will choose negotiations rather than another military confrontation.
The statements underline the difficult balance between diplomatic efforts and continuing military tensions in the region.
What Happens Next?
The next stage will depend heavily on how Washington responds to Tehran's conditions.
If the two sides reach an agreement, Iran has indicated that the Strait of Hormuz could potentially return to normal maritime operations within seven days.
If negotiations fail, however, the waterway could remain disrupted, increasing concerns over energy supplies, shipping and global markets.
For now, Iran's message is clear: the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until Tehran's stated conditions are met.
This story is developing and may be updated as new information becomes available.
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