Iran: Strait of Hormuz Will Reopen Only if US Meets Our Conditions

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, has said the Strait of Hormuz will only be reopened if the United States accepts conditions set by Tehran.

The statement comes amid reports that negotiations involving Iran and Oman could soon lead to the reopening of the strategic waterway, which is critical to global energy supplies.

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi, quoted by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, said the status of the strait was separate from the ongoing discussions between Tehran and Muscat.

He explained that any decision to reopen the waterway would be based on “specific mechanisms and conditions” determined by Iran.

The comments followed reports from a US official that negotiations involving Iran and Oman had made progress and could result in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A reopening would potentially ease disruptions to global oil supplies and reduce concerns over the impact of the standoff on international energy markets.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry had earlier confirmed that Tehran and Muscat were working to finalise arrangements for jointly managing the strategic waterway.

However, the IRGC’s latest position indicates that progress in the talks with Oman does not automatically mean the strait will be reopened.

Iranian officials have also suggested that any decision to restore normal passage through the waterway could be linked to the removal of US restrictions affecting Iranian shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A significant portion of global oil shipments passes through the waterway.

Any prolonged disruption could therefore have wider implications for crude oil prices, shipping costs and energy security in several countries.

Tehran’s latest statement could increase uncertainty over the timing of a full reopening, particularly as negotiations continue and both sides seek to protect their strategic interests.

For now, Iran maintains that reopening the waterway will depend on meeting its specified conditions, rather than simply the outcome of diplomatic discussions between Iran and Oman.