Iran hardens Hormuz stance as New York diplomacy struggles for breakthrough

The Iranian delegation at UN General Assembly negotiations is maintaining a hard stance on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the United States remove the blockade and meet its conditions before any formal discussions can resume, according to sources. Diplomacy efforts at the UN have yet to yield a breakthrough, with Iran demanding that the US remove the blockade before engaging in any talks.

Iranian officials have presented seven conditions to the US through regional mediators, stating that until these conditions are met, the strait will remain closed. Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, outlined the seven conditions during an interview with Iranian state media. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also suggested in a Fox News interview that the US must take the first step in ending the conflict.

The Iranian position appears to be diverging from international efforts to secure unimpeded passage through the critical energy corridor. Bahrain, backed by about 80 countries, called for the urgent reopening of the strait and condemned Iranian attacks on regional states and international shipping. Efforts are underway to draft a UN Security Council initiative to provide political backing for an international maritime mission to protect navigation through the Hormuz, as high oil prices heighten the urgency for action. However, Iran continues to oppose the proposed international mission.