Iran Sets Conditions to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran is preparing a list of conditions for mediators to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has seen shipping largely stop since February. Secretary Mohsen Rezaee stated that reopening the strait is contingent upon ending regional wars, specifically those in Gaza and Lebanon. He noted that the United States must commit to these terms for the waterway to open.

Complementing these demands, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization specified that Washington must lift a blockade of Iranian ports, remove sanctions, and pay compensation. These requirements follow the failure of previous ceasefire agreements between the United States and Iran in April and June to restore maritime traffic.

Iran and Oman have reportedly reached an agreement to establish a shared shipping corridor through the strait, involving shared control and revenue. While Rezaee claimed the deal is set, other sources indicate the two nations are still finalizing the details. If the U.S. meets Iran's demands, ships will utilize a designated central channel. The strait previously handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

In a separate matter, Rezaee denied reports of a plot to assassinate Barron Trump, the youngest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, following the circulation of a video on Iranian state television discussing such a plan.