Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the US lifts its naval blockade

Tehran, August 18 - Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States fulfills its commitments outlined in a memorandum of understanding, according to a statement on state television. Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran would not reopen the vital energy conduit until the American blockade is lifted, along with the elimination of oil sanctions and the unfreezing of Iran's assets overseas.

These demands were part of an Iran-US truce in June, which subsequently fell apart. Hostilities between Iran and the United States escalated on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes against Iran, leading to a war that has since spread across the region. Diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict began on April 8, but intermittent clashes have continued, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has retained control over the strait since the onset of the war, necessitating vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees, actions that have been opposed by the United States and several regional nations. Iran and Oman, two coastal states on Hormuz, have been engaging in discussions about the future of navigation through the strait; Tehran claims that the geographical coordinates of the route agreed upon by both nations have been finalized.

On Monday, Iran reported that negotiations were "proceeding in a serious manner" with views being exchanged on the content of a "joint statement." In Monday's speech, Ghalibaf asserted Iran's readiness to deliver a "more devastating defeat to the adversary," commensurate with the enemy's actions and advances.