Iran Insists Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Closed Until Conditions Are Met Amid Stalled US Talks

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until its specific conditions are fulfilled, as indirect talks with Washington remain stalled and officials in Tehran brace for a potential new escalation in fighting.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf stated that the US recently delivered proposals through intermediaries, contradicting public statements made by Washington in the media. However, he emphasized that Tehran's stance remains firm. “Until our seven conditions based on the Islamabad memorandum of understanding are realised, the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened,” he said, referencing the June 17 framework aimed at securing a durable peace.

While Mr Ghalibaf did not reveal the details of the US proposals, his remarks show that both nations continue to exchange messages regarding the terms for reopening the waterway. The hardliner asserted that Iran intends to pursue diplomacy while simultaneously preparing for conflict, noting that preparedness is key to success at the negotiating table.

A source in Tehran informed The National that preparations for a major round of fighting are underway as diplomatic efforts stumble. Although the military option has not been discarded by Washington, officials in Iran believe the resumption of war is increasingly likely, even as the door to diplomacy stays open.

This latest impasse follows indirect meetings in New York between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Qatar acting as a mediator. Following the inconclusive meetings, Mr Araghchi proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations, leaving the ultimate decision to the US.

Meanwhile, the UAE reaffirmed its dedication to resolving its ongoing dispute with Iran over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa through peaceful diplomatic channels. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, dismissed criticism from Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati, stressing the UAE's commitment to international law and bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.

Additional diplomatic friction arose over Iran's UN delegation, with US officials stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the delegation to depart following the General Assembly, a claim rejected by Iran's UN mission. To help break the deadlock, Tehran has also proposed diluting its stockpile of 60 per cent enriched uranium before transferring it to a third party under International Atomic Energy Agency mechanisms.

Amid these regional tensions, Quds Force commander Brig Gen Esmail Qaani hailed the US withdrawal from Iraq as a victory, stating that Iran-backed groups will maintain their presence in the country.