'Hormuz shut until US accepts our conditions'

Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to ships until the United States accepts Iran's terms and honors existing diplomatic obligations. Speaking to Iraq's Al-Ikhbariya network, Araghchi stressed that Washington must first comply with the terms of the previously signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding before any further discussions can occur.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Iran's stance that the American side must agree to Tehran's conditions before the strait is reopened. He emphasized that Tehran would not enter into new talks on other matters until Washington fulfills its prior promises. Iran is reportedly maintaining ongoing indirect communications with Washington through regional intermediaries such as Pakistan and Qatar, including a proposal known as the Seven-Day Plan.

According to this plan, the strait was initially meant to be fully operational by the sixth day, but the Americans introduced additional conditions. Araghchi stated that any issue raised during the final stages of negotiations could be addressed, leading to a final agreement. He rejected American economic and military pressure, asserting that attempts to isolate Iran or coerce it will not succeed.

Iran will not yield to sanctions or threats, affirming that diplomacy and a negotiated solution are the only viable options. Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is within territorial waters of both Iran and Oman, and any reopening would follow the agreed-upon shipping lanes between the two nations.