Iran Makes Major Demands Before Lifting Hormuz Restrictions

NEW YORK: Iran has presented the United States with a set of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed Tehran’s position during a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian media reported.

According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s conditions include the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade, the release of Iran’s frozen assets and an end to the conflict across what Iranian officials describe as all “resistance fronts.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also said Iran’s message was conveyed to the United States through Qatari mediation in New York.

Baghaei said Tehran wants an end to military operations, the lifting of the naval blockade, an end to what Iran describes as economic warfare and the return of Iranian assets.

Iran has previously indicated that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within about a week if US military pressure and the blockade are reduced.

The strategic waterway has remained a major issue in diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran amid efforts to resolve the wider conflict.

US President Donald Trump has described the ongoing contacts with Iran as positive and said Washington and Tehran were continuing discussions with the possibility of reaching an agreement.

However, significant differences remain between the two sides over the conditions for ending the conflict, sanctions, military pressure and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major maritime route for the transportation of crude oil and other energy products from the Persian Gulf to international markets.

Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway can affect global energy prices, fuel supplies and regional trade.

The latest diplomatic contacts have therefore drawn international attention as Washington and Tehran explore possible ways to reduce tensions and restore maritime traffic.