Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until US Meets Deal Conditions
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets conditions agreed under an interim deal between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told parliament that the conditions include lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports, removing oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and ending US threats and military operations against Iran.
The agreement reached on June 17 quickly broke down over disagreements surrounding control of the strategic waterway. US President Donald Trump declared the deal “over” on July 7, while Iran later said the agreement had been suspended.
The interim memorandum had committed both sides to negotiating a broader final agreement, including issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme, within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension by mutual consent.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has significant global implications because the waterway is a major route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. A senior Iranian official has also warned that Tehran could adopt a fully offensive posture as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
