Iran says strait won't open until US corrects behaviour

According to Greater Kashmir, Iran's Supreme National Security Council has issued a series of stringent demands regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The council, represented by secretary and Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, stated that the waterway will remain under restricted conditions until the United States alters its regional behavior. The report indicates that these new demands could significantly complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage traffic and security in the vital maritime corridor.

Among the conditions outlined in the statement, Iran is calling for an end to perceived threats against the Islamic Republic and its regional allies, as well as the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the immediate area. Furthermore, the council has demanded the lifting of naval blockades on Iranian ports, the removal of economic sanctions, and the release of frozen assets. These declarations follow recent reports of positive, albeit tense, diplomatic discussions between the two nations.

This development aligns with broader international reporting, which has noted that while recent talks between Iran and the U.S. have been described as positive by regional mediators like Oman, significant hurdles remain. Iran has consistently maintained that any potential deal regarding the strait would not necessarily equate to a full opening or normalization of transit if underlying security concerns are not addressed. As the situation evolves, the international community remains focused on how these competing demands will impact global energy security and maritime navigation in the Gulf.