Iran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States accepts seven conditions linked to a June interim understanding between Tehran and Washington. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said the country’s position on reopening the strategic waterway was firm and that Iran would not agree to delays or unilateral demands during negotiations. His remarks came after Tehran received a response from Washington to an Iranian diplomatic proposal.

Qalibaf accused the United States of sending conflicting messages publicly while pursuing proposals through a mediator. He said Tehran expected Washington to address the conditions it had outlined before movement could be made on reopening the waterway. Iranian officials have linked the proposed arrangements to wider issues involving negotiations between the two countries, including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately said on Sunday that Tehran’s proposal could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within seven days if Washington agreed to the conditions. Speaking to foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi said Iran had clearly communicated its requirements and expressed hope that the United States would pursue a diplomatic solution. He also warned that Tehran was prepared for further confrontation if Washington returned to military action.

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The latest statements come as Qatar continues to mediate between Iran and the United States over a proposed seven-day trust-building process. The proposal seeks to revive an enhanced version of the June memorandum and includes measures concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and the Strait of Hormuz. A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the principal disagreement between the two sides concerns the order in which the proposed measures should be implemented rather than the individual elements themselves.

Iran has previously sought compensation, an end to US sanctions and guarantees against military threats as part of conditions associated with reopening the waterway. Tehran has also held discussions with Oman concerning shipping arrangements through the strategic passage. However, significant differences remain between Washington and Tehran over the terms of any broader understanding, leaving the future of the waterway closely linked to the progress of diplomatic negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. A substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes through the waterway, making disruptions there significant for international energy markets. Iran’s latest position has therefore added uncertainty over shipping and energy prices, particularly if negotiations fail and tensions between Tehran and Washington escalate further.

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