Iran hardens Strait of Hormuz stance as New York diplomacy struggles for breakthrough

Iran is escalating its stance on the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Washington must meet its demands before formal negotiations can resume, according to sources in The National. Diplomacy beyond the UN General Assembly has failed to produce a breakthrough, with Tehran insisting that the US remove the blockade before taking any steps.

Iranian and US officials used mediators in New York to exchange proposals, but sources close to the Iranian delegation and Western diplomats say Tehran offered no concessions from its stated position and is now waiting for Washington to respond. Tehran has linked reopening Hormuz to easing US military pressure, lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, and lifting sanctions, while Washington has resisted taking such steps without Iran demonstrating sufficient goodwill.

Contact between the two sides has focused on clarifying positions rather than producing a breakthrough, with the Iranian delegation presenting its demands and awaiting a response from Washington. Iranian officials have drawn up seven conditions for reopening the strategic waterway, and until these conditions are met, Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or engage in negotiations.

Meanwhile, international efforts to secure freedom of navigation through the Strait are intensifying, with about 80 countries backing a joint statement demanding its urgent reopening and condemning Iranian attacks on regional states and international shipping. The US Senate has also recently rejected a resolution demanding President Trump end the war in Iran or seek congressional authorization, reflecting growing domestic pressure and anxiety over the conflict's economic impact.