Iran refuses to budge on Hormuz demands after US rejects seven-day deal

Tehran has maintained its demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, despite US President Donald Trump rejecting a seven-day deal that had sparked optimism for resolving the Middle East conflict. The strategic waterway, vital to global energy supply, has become a focal point in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, escalating nearly seven months ago with deadly strikes on Iranian targets.

According to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the conditions for reopening the strait involve a cessation of hostilities across the Middle East, the fulfillment of conditions from an earlier ceasefire deal, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, and the end of the US naval blockade.

Iran has reiterated its refusal to back down from these conditions, stating that they will not be compromised. In contrast, Trump expressed openness to making a deal, but emphasized that Iran's proposal to immediately reopen the strait was unreasonable. The breakdown of the previous memorandum of understanding between the two nations, signed in June, occurred following an Iranian attack on commercial ships in Hormuz, which accused the vessels of deviating from designated routes.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan criticized the international community for failing to uphold the responsibility to keep the strait and Bab al-Mandab open, warning against using these vital passages as tools for pressure or threats. Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov expressed readiness to contribute constructively to stabilizing the strategically important region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that Iran remains at the negotiating table but no longer trusts the US due to past experiences. The US has been given a seven-day plan by Iran to reopen the strait and restore normal maritime passage. Until Iran's seven conditions are met, the Revolutionary Guards have vowed to continue punishing the US.