On Sunday, Iran reiterated its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. President Donald Trump rejecting the proposal. The Strait of Hormuz is key to global energy supplies and is currently at the center of tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iran's Conditions for Halting Hostilities
According to statements by Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Tehran's proposal calls for a cessation of all hostilities in the Middle East, including in Lebanon, and the fulfillment of the conditions of a ceasefire agreement that failed a few months ago. This agreement, which fell apart following clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, included the release of Iran's frozen assets, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, and an end to the U.S. maritime blockade.
Read more: Turkish Airlines Suspend Flights to Iran
Araghchi emphasized, "Our conditions are clear, and any move towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be conditional on the fulfillment of these conditions. We will not compromise on our rights." He also added that Iran has never closed the doors to diplomacy and negotiations but will not yield its rights either.
U.S. Reaction and Mediators' Positions
On Saturday, Trump stated that he rejected the ceasefire agreement, saying, "They want to make a deal that opens the strait immediately because they are losing." Araghchi noted that Iran has observed the U.S. President's "initial reaction," but so far nothing has been conveyed to them by the mediators.
In June, Iran signed a memorandum of understanding with Washington aimed at ending the war, reopening the strait, and starting negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. However, this agreement quickly fell apart after Iran fired on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of deviating from their allowed course.
The Iranian Foreign Minister announced at the United Nations that Iran has conveyed a specific seven-day plan to the United States through Qatar. He emphasized, "If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, and normal maritime traffic can resume within seven days." According to Araghchi, "The choice now depends on the United States. Iran will not accept any pressure and will not yield its rights under pressure."
Read more: Iran Warns of Escalating Tensions from the United States and Its Allies · Oman’s Foreign Minister Meets with His Iranian Counterpart
