Iran Conditions Strait of Hormuz Reopening on US Commitments

The Government of Iran has reached a transit understanding with the Government of Oman to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, but it refuses to implement the arrangement until the United States fulfills suspended commitments. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that the waterway remains closed and any vessel attempting passage must coordinate with and receive authorization from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Tehran demands the complete lifting of U.S. naval and economic blockades and a cessation of aggression on all fronts, including Lebanon, as prerequisites for reopening. This stalemate follows a period of conflict that began with strikes on Iran in February 2026. Although a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad in June initially provided for a 60-day reopening period, Iran reestablished the closure following alleged U.S. violations.

Iran has since engaged with the governments of Qatar and Pakistan to evaluate the possible resumption of commitments under the Islamabad Understanding. Gharibabadi asserted that Iran is in no hurry to reopen the route and will continue defensive operations to counter threats, maintaining that Washington must accept responsibility for past actions to return to diplomacy.