Iran's Ultimatum: Strait Closure Hinges on U.S. Meeting Demands
In a recent declaration, Ali Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, set forth stringent conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, squarely placing responsibility for the current impasse on the United States.
Central Accusation: U.S. Labeled as Instability Factor
Rezaei's statement began with a direct accusation, asserting that the United States, by imposing what he termed an "illegal war," has become the primary source of insecurity in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, endangering the entire region.
The Iranian Conditions for Reopening
The official outlined a clear list of prerequisites that Washington must fulfill:
- Cease Hostilities: The U.S. must end its war-like actions against Iran.
- Release Frozen Funds: Iranian assets blocked by the U.S. must be paid.
- Halt Regional Conflicts: Wars across the region, specifically mentioning Lebanon and Gaza, must stop.
- Additional Undisclosed Terms: Other conditions, conveyed through intermediaries, were also referenced.
Rezaei stated unequivocally that the strategic waterway will remain closed unless the U.S. alters its conduct and accepts these terms.
Oman Transit Deal: A Separate Track
The statement included a notable diplomatic nuance. Rezaei indicated that any potential transit agreement Iran might reach with Oman would be handled separately from the blockade issue directed at the United States. This suggests Iran is maintaining a dual-track approach, combining a firm stance against the U.S. with openness to regional cooperation.
This declaration marks a significant hardening of Iran's position, explicitly linking freedom of navigation in the world's most critical oil chokepoint to the resolution of its core disputes with America, thereby escalating the diplomatic stakes in the volatile region.