Strait of Hormuz to Stay Closed Until US Meets Deal Demands, Iran Warns

Iran has announced that the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route will remain closed to maritime traffic. According to senior Iranian officials, the closure will continue until the United States fully meets the terms outlined in an interim agreement signed earlier this summer.

The warning came directly from Iran’s top negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Speaking to state media, Qalibaf outlined specific measures Washington must complete before Tehran will consider reopening the strategic waterway.

Key Demands Set by Iran

To restore normal transit through the strait, Iran says the U.S. must fulfill the following conditions:

• End Port Blockades: Immediately lift all naval restrictions on Iranian ports.

• Remove Energy Sanctions: Cancel sanctions targeting Iran’s oil and natural gas exports.

• Unfreeze Financial Assets: Release frozen Iranian funds held in foreign banks.

• Halt Military Operations: Cease all military actions and security threats against Iran across all fronts.
  
  

Breakdown of the Interim Agreement

The two nations originally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 17. The temporary deal aimed to establish a 60-day window for negotiating broader long-term concerns, including the future of Iran's nuclear program.

However, the arrangement quickly collapsed over disputed control of the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow marine channel responsible for carrying roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) before recent conflict disrupted shipping lines.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the agreement void on July 7, prompting Iran’s foreign ministry to officially suspend the pact one week later.

Shift Toward an Offensive Posture

Diplomatic discussions to secure a lasting peace have hit a standstill. Iranian leadership confirmed a major policy shift, stating that Tehran is transitioning to a "fully offensive" strategy to defend its regional interests.

With negotiations stalled, energy analysts warn that prolonged closure of the strait could trigger global fuel shortages and increased price volatility in international energy markets.