Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions set out by Tehran, days after Washington sent a response to an Iranian diplomatic proposal through Qatari intermediaries.
The October 4 position was outlined by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Vesti Baku. Their statements indicate that indirect exchanges are continuing, but the sides have not agreed on reopening the strategic waterway.
Iran Sets a Firm Condition
Ghalibaf said the strait would not reopen until seven Iranian conditions based on the June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding were met. He did not disclose the full list in his Sunday statement.
“The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely clear and firm,” Ghalibaf was quoted as saying. He said Washington must understand that the period of delaying the process and imposing one-sided demands was over.
Reuters reported that Iran presented a proposal during the U.N. General Assembly under which normal maritime passage could be restored within seven days if its conditions were accepted. The United States replied last week through Qatar.
Araghchi separately told foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Tehran that Iran’s plan could lead to the strait reopening within seven days if Washington accepted it. He said Iran had clearly explained that reopening was tied to commitments the United States would have to make.
The foreign minister said Tehran hoped Washington would choose diplomacy, but warned that Iran was prepared to respond if the United States again chose military action.
Dispute Centers on Terms and Timing
The broader negotiations have included proposals addressing an end to fighting, restrictions on Iranian assets and ports, safe shipping and a return to talks over Iran’s nuclear program. However, those elements should not be treated as an officially published list of all seven conditions because Ghalibaf did not detail them in his latest remarks.
The Associated Press reported that mediators have tried to bridge major differences between Tehran and Washington over ending the fighting and reopening the strait, including disagreements about nuclear guarantees and the order in which each side would act.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Persian Gulf states. The continuing dispute affects energy supplies, shipping insurance and trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
A measurable breakthrough would require agreement on the sequence of commitments and a verifiable mechanism for reopening the waterway. Until then, Tehran is signaling that it intends to maintain pressure while keeping the diplomatic channel through Qatar open.