Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States changes its behaviour, ends its war with Iran and its regional allies, lifts a naval blockade and withdraws military forces from the area. Tehran also demanded compensation for war damage, an end to sanctions and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets.
The demands came as negotiations mediated by Oman continued without a deal. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the sides were close to an agreement on navigation and a transit route, but that reopening the waterway depended on additional conditions.
At a glance:
- Iran’s supreme national security council said the strait would remain closed until the US meets a list of political, military and economic demands.
- The 60-day period for negotiating a final agreement is due to end in just over a week, although it could be extended.
- The United Arab Emirates said an Iranian missile targeted a ship owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Adnoc; the company reported no casualties.
- Ship traffic remains low through the waterway, which is important to global oil and natural-gas supplies.
What Iran is demanding
A statement issued by the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, said the US must never threaten Iran again and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. Tehran also wants the US naval blockade of Iranian ports lifted and American forces withdrawn from the area.
Related coverage: Iran-Oman Talks Show Progress on Strait of Hormuz Shipping.
Iran’s other demands include full compensation for war damage, the lifting of sanctions and the unconditional release of frozen assets. The United States had not immediately commented and has sought an acceptable agreement on the strait before ending the blockade.
Why the talks have not produced a reopening
Under an interim deal signed in June, a schedule for ending sanctions and a compensation plan were to be part of a final agreement. Negotiations were also to address frozen assets, while arrangements for the future administration of Hormuz could be developed by Iran and Oman, the two coastal states named in the deal.
The United States opposes Iranian tolls for passage. Iran has imposed an effective blockade, repeatedly attacked ships it accuses of avoiding its preferred route and said it was close to a separate agreement with Oman to manage the strait. Oman said the discussions were continuing in a positive and constructive atmosphere and condemned attacks on ships.
More context: Eight shipping associations warn against Strait of Hormuz fees.
Ship attack adds pressure
The UAE foreign ministry said an Iranian missile targeted a vessel owned by Adnoc while it was sailing through the strait early on Saturday. Adnoc said there were no casualties and did not provide details about the location or damage.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre separately reported that a vessel east of Khasab, Oman, had been struck by a projectile, causing a fire that was extinguished. The vessel and crew were safe, but it was not clear whether that incident involved the Adnoc ship. Adnoc said more than a dozen of its vessels had been attacked by missiles and drones in the strait since the war began in February, with one crew member killed and 20 wounded.
Questions readers ask
When could a final Strait of Hormuz deal be reached?
The 60-day period for negotiating a final agreement is due to end in just over a week. The period could be extended.
Also read: Iran Attacks Tankers in Hormuz Strait as US War Efforts Stall.
What is the main navigation issue in the talks?
Iran’s foreign minister said the sides were close to agreeing on navigation, specifically the determination of a transit route. Reopening still depends on other conditions.
Why does the strait matter?
The waterway is crucial to global oil and natural-gas supplies. It had been considered an international waterway before the war, but ship transits remain low.
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