Iran sets tough terms for U.S. to reopen Strait of Hormuz despite progress in Oman

Iran has presented a stringent list of demands to the United States as a condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt on optimism that a bilateral agreement between Tehran and Oman could quickly restore shipping through the critical oil chokepoint. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that the waterway would remain closed until Washington modifies its conduct and meets Iran's specific requirements.

The reopening would necessitate the U.S. lifting its naval blockade, discontinuing all sanctions against Iran, withdrawing military forces from the surrounding region, compensating for war damages, releasing frozen Iranian assets, halting attacks on Iran's regional allies, and ceasing threats against Iranian leadership. Zolghadr emphasized that these demands will not be compromised, whether during wartime or in negotiations.

This staunch stance by Iran's top security body reflects a growing divide between diplomatic efforts and security hardliners in Tehran. While technical discussions with Oman aimed to resume maritime trade, Iran's demand for substantial U.S. concessions—such as war reparations and a complete military withdrawal—diminishes the likelihood of a swift reopening.

The Strait of Hormuz facilitates approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments, and the ongoing deadlock risks prolonging energy supply disruptions and heightening global fuel prices and inflation. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Tehran and Oman were "very close" to an agreement for a temporary shipping route to replace the previous traffic separation scheme.

U.S. officials had also expressed optimism on Friday, suggesting that an agreement between Oman and Iran would enable normal crude shipments to resume soon. However, Iran's insistence on technical navigation agreements with Oman being distinct from the political conditions required to unblock the channel, as stated by Zolghadr and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), highlights Tehran's perspective.

The IRGC spokesperson, Hossein Mohebbi, reiterated that reopening the passage is independent of negotiations between Iran and Oman and hinges solely on Washington agreeing to Iran's terms. Additionally, the ongoing confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz included a recent missile strike by Iran on a vessel affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), though no injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, regional powers are forming new security frameworks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Saturday that the defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey mirrors Article 5 of NATO, establishing a defensive pact akin to NATO. Fidan also mentioned the potential inclusion of Egypt in the agreement once technical issues are resolved, stressing that the alliance is purely defensive and not directed at Iran unless it faces an attack.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended ongoing diplomatic ties with Washington amidst domestic opposition, highlighting internal political tensions over how to navigate the conflict.