Iran Keeps Strait of Hormuz Closed Pending US Concessions
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions based on a June memorandum.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced on October 4, 2026, that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven specific conditions based on the June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Qalibaf stated that Iran is prepared to both fight and negotiate, utilizing diplomacy to secure the rights of the Iranian people while remaining active on the military battlefield.
The current maritime standstill follows a July 8 escalation when the United States Armed Forces launched strikes on Iranian territory and President Donald Trump terminated a ceasefire. Iran responded by striking U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. To end the conflict that began on February 28, Tehran previously demanded a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, the release of frozen funds, and an end to the naval blockade of its ports.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei added that restoring security in the strait requires the United States to halt sanctions and stop obstructing Iranian maritime trade. While the United States has submitted proposals through Qatari mediators—primarily concerning the nuclear issue—Qalibaf asserted that the period of dictating one-sided demands has ended. Iran is currently reviewing the latest U.S. proposals before providing a final response.
