Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has made clear that any reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz will depend on the United States meeting a series of demands, even as diplomatic efforts involving Oman appear to be making progress towards a new framework for maritime traffic.
The latest position from Tehran comes amid continued tensions in the region, with the movement of commercial vessels through the waterway remaining a major issue in ongoing negotiations.
IRGC says reopening will have conditions
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Sardar Mohebi said the decision to restore access through the strait would be based on specific conditions and arrangements.
He indicated that the reopening issue was separate from the talks being conducted with Oman and stressed that Tehran expected Washington to accept Iran’s conditions fully.
Iran has also demanded that the US stop what it describes as interference in negotiations taking place between regional countries.
Oman talks reportedly nearing conclusion
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations with Oman had reached an advanced stage, with both sides reportedly close to an agreement concerning shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Tehran has indicated that an agreement with Oman would not automatically lead to the reopening of the waterway.
Iranian officials have linked the decision to a broader set of demands involving the United States, including compensation for damage suffered during the conflict.
Tehran lists demands
Among the conditions outlined by Iranian officials are an end to US military threats against Iran, a halt to military operations involving Iran and its regional allies, and the withdrawal of American naval and air forces involved in the confrontation.
Iran has also called for compensation for damage caused during the conflict, as well as the lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets.
The demands could become a significant hurdle in efforts to restore normal maritime traffic if Washington does not agree to Tehran’s terms.
Pezeshkian signals willingness for agreement
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has meanwhile suggested that the present circumstances could provide an opportunity for diplomacy.
In a social media post, he described the current period as an appropriate time to reach an agreement while insisting that Iran would not surrender what he termed the rights of its people.
Pezeshkian also emphasised domestic capabilities and public support as the main pillars of his government.
Hormuz remains central to regional tensions
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for international energy and commercial shipping, making uncertainty over its accessibility a matter of wider global concern.
While the reported progress in Iran-Oman discussions offers a possible route towards restoring maritime movement, Tehran’s insistence on US concessions means the broader diplomatic picture remains unresolved.
For now, Iran appears to be treating the reopening of the waterway not simply as a shipping issue, but as part of a wider political and military settlement with Washington.
