Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Background of the Standoff

Tehran effectively closed the strait after the US-Israel bombing campaign began on February 28. It was reopened briefly under a June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under which Iran was to clear mines and let ships pass free of charge for 60 days while Washington lifted the blockade and eased sanctions.

Iran declared the strait shut again after accusing the US of violating the MoU, with the US reimposing its blockade in retaliation. The agreement expired on August 17, though it had been abandoned by both sides weeks earlier.

Conflicting Claims Over the Waterway

Speaking in the Oval Office on the same day as Rezaei, US President Donald Trump declared the waterway "open," saying that US forces had already cleared it of mines and that millions of barrels of oil were leaving the strait each day.

Trump told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that he was in no rush to resume negotiations. "I have no time schedule, none. I'm not in a hurry," he said.

What Lies Ahead

A source in the US administration said the blockade would remain in place and that no talks with Iran were scheduled. While mediators continue their diplomatic visits, no official timeline has been confirmed for when Iran might formally present its conditions or when the strait could reopen.