Iranian official Zolqadr has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States alters its conduct and meets Iran’s stipulated conditions. He emphasized that the strait’s closure is contingent upon a shift in US behavior.
According to reports, Zolqadr listed six specific demands, which include an end to what he termed threats against the leader of the Islamic Revolution, a complete halt to military actions against Iran and its regional allies, the withdrawal of US naval and air forces, compensation for damages incurred during the war, the lifting of US sanctions, and the return of Iran’s frozen assets.
Zolqadr asserted that these demands reflect the will of the Iranian people, referencing nationwide protests that have occurred recently in the country. He assured that the Supreme National Security Council would not waver from these demands, whether during wartime or negotiations.
Just days earlier, Reuters reported that in a potential peace deal between the US and Iran, the latter might make significant concessions by allowing control over vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz. This development suggests a shift in the regional power balance towards Tehran, following the conflict initiated by the US and Israel in February.
Context
- The active phase of the conflict between Iran and the US began on February 28 of this year, when the US, alongside Israel, conducted airstrikes on Iranian territory, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- On April 12, Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by US naval forces. By May 28, the US and Iran reached a 60-day ceasefire agreement and began discussions regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump declared on June 1 that Iran’s condition for halting hostilities between Israel and Lebanon was met.
- In the early hours of June 18, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war. The next day, CENTCOM announced the official lifting of the blockade on Iranian ports, as outlined in the document. However, hostilities resumed, leading Trump to declare the ceasefire terminated on July 8.
- On July 12, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran International. In response, Trump stated in a phone interview with NBC News that the strait remained open.
