Why have US-Iran talks over the Strait of Hormuz hit a deadlock?

As of late September, Iran has presented its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the US has yet to respond satisfactorily, according to Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei. The talks have stalled after Iran's security chief expressed dissatisfaction with the US response, stating it did not meet Tehran's seven conditions for reopening the waterway.

The strait, which once carried about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, has become a contentious point once again following the escalation of the US-Iran war. Qatar and Pakistan, among others, have served as mediators in the ongoing conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in mid-February.

Iran's security chief emphasized the importance of resolving the situation in the region through dialogue, while also offering help in ending the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran's commitment to diplomacy and addressing its national interests, including using economic diplomacy to alleviate US and Western sanctions.