Iran Rejects US Response to Demands for Reopening Strait of Hormuz as Insufficient

Iran has declared the American response to its seven-point proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to be "insufficient," according to Mohsen Rezaei, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, who spoke to state media.

Over the past two months, Washington approached Tehran through three separate diplomatic channels—Pakistan, Qatar, and Iraq—requesting terms for the reopening of the strategic waterway. Mr Rezaei stated that Tehran communicated its seven conditions about two weeks ago, making it clear that no negotiations would occur and the waterway would remain closed to the US until all terms are met.

While Washington has accepted some of the conditions, others remain unresolved and ambiguous, prompting Tehran to demand further clarification. Tehran initially disrupted shipping in the strait through attacks and mine-laying operations following joint military actions by Israel and the US in February, which led to a retaliatory US blockade of Iranian ports.

During the UN General Assembly in late September, both nations exchanged proposals via mediators. Sources close to the Iranian delegation and western diplomats indicated that Tehran maintained its hardline stance while awaiting a response from Washington.

Mr Rezaei emphasized the strategic and economic value of the passage, asserting that the Gulf cannot be secure without Iranian management. However, the US has already rejected a joint management proposal involving Iran and Oman, insisting instead on the right of free passage for all ships under international law.