• Iran’s top security official says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless the U.S. alters its behavior and meets a long list of conditions.
  • Tehran’s demands include a permanent end to hostilities, U.S. troop withdrawal, sanctions relief, and compensation for war damages—signaling a wide gap with Washington.
  • Tehran is nearing a deal with Oman on managing strait traffic, but officials stress this does not mean the waterway is fully reopened.

The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Rezaei, reiterated on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened unless the United States changes its behavior and accepts Iran’s conditions, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, where the strait is a critical chokepoint for about a fifth of global oil consumption.

Speaking to reporters, Rezaei outlined a sweeping set of preconditions that go far beyond previous discussions of “managing” traffic through the strait. Tehran demands a permanent end to the war with Iran and its regional allies, the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the area, and the lifting of a naval blockade that has restricted Iranian shipping. Additionally, Iran requires the removal of all sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and “complete” compensation for damages incurred during decades of conflict. The official also demanded an end to what he called threats against the Islamic Republic.

These conditions starkly contrast with more limited proposals floated in recent weeks, suggesting a significant widening of the negotiating gap between Tehran and Washington. The U.S. has previously called on Iran to publicly commit to stopping attacks in the region, but Rezaei’s statement indicates that Iran is now linking the strait’s status to far broader geopolitical and economic concessions.

Despite the hardline stance, there are signs of progress on a practical front. Iran is nearing an arrangement with Oman to manage the movement of vessels through the strait, according to people familiar with the matter. However, a senior Iranian official emphasized that this agreement does not amount to the strait being fully reopened. “This is purely a technical step,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In the meantime, new reports of attacks affecting shipping in and around the strait have emerged, keeping global shipping and energy markets on edge. Earlier this week, a tanker reported minor damage after an explosion nearby, though no group has claimed responsibility. Such incidents underscore the fragility of maritime security in the region, and any sustained disruption could spike oil prices and reroute tankers.

The political context is equally fraught. Iran’s demands reflect a broader strategy to leverage the strait as a bargaining chip in ongoing disputes over sanctions and regional influence. “The more the U.S. pressures Iran, the more Tehran will raise the stakes in the Gulf,” said a regional analyst, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

For now, the reopening of Hormuz remains contingent on U.S. concessions that appear unlikely in the short term. As Rezaei stated, “As long as the U.S. does not correct its behavior, the strait will not be opened.” The international community watches closely, aware that the standoff carries significant risks for global energy supplies and economic stability.

This article is based on initial reports and may be updated as more information becomes available.