Iran Sets Seven Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Sept 13: Iran has conveyed seven conditions to the United States for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, citing an informed source.

“Until these seven conditions, which have been approved by Iran’s top officials, are met, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed,” the source was quoted as saying.

The development comes ahead of a meeting scheduled for Monday in Oman, where Iran, Iraq and Persian Gulf states are expected to discuss safe routes for commercial shipping through the Strait, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Tasnim earlier reported that agreements reached between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait did not provide for reopening the waterway. Under the arrangement, the two sides coordinated the primary entry and exit routes for the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait has remained effectively closed to commercial shipping amid the escalation of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, disrupting a key global route for oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas.

The disruption has raised concerns over global energy supplies and contributed to higher fuel prices in several countries.

On February 28, the United States and Israel began strikes on targets in Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. In mid-June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum to cease hostilities, but the two sides later exchanged strikes again.

The conflict remains unresolved, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has virtually come to a halt.

The waterway is a crucial supply route for global energy markets, with large volumes of oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas traditionally passing through it. Its continued disruption could further affect international energy prices and shipping.