Iran puts a new price on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

MUSCAT, OMAN: Iran introduced sweeping new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, August 8, demanding major policy concessions from the United States before allowing normal maritime traffic to resume.

The new position, outlined by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, comes as negotiations enter a critical phase with little more than a week left before the current deadline for a broader agreement.

The new conditions expand the negotiations beyond reopening the shipping lane, with Iran demanding sanctions relief, compensation, military withdrawal, and the release of frozen assets before normal traffic resumes.

Tehran raises negotiating stakes

A statement carried by Iranian state media said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States "corrects its behavior."

According to the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Washington must permanently end military action against Iran and its regional allies, lift its naval blockade, remove US forces from the region, lift sanctions, release frozen Iranian assets without conditions, and compensate Tehran for damage caused during the conflict.

The United States has not publicly responded to the latest demands. Under the interim agreement reached in June, discussions over sanctions relief, compensation, and frozen assets were expected to form part of negotiations toward a final settlement rather than a precondition for reopening the waterway.

Shipping talks continue separately

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions with Oman on navigation arrangements were progressing, particularly on establishing a safe transit route through the Strait of Hormuz.

He added, however, that restoring normal shipping remained dependent on broader political conditions, accusing the United States of violating the interim agreement.

Oman, which has been mediating between the sides, said negotiations were continuing in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" while urging all parties to protect commercial shipping.

The current negotiating window is due to expire in just over a week, though officials have indicated it could still be extended if talks continue.

Fresh security risks emerge

The diplomatic uncertainty comes as commercial vessels continue facing security risks in the region.

Earlier Saturday, the United Arab Emirates said a vessel operated by ADNOC was struck while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

ADNOC said there were no fatalities in the latest incident but noted that multiple company vessels had come under missile and drone attacks since the conflict began earlier this year.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that another vessel near Khasab, Oman, was hit by a projectile that caused a fire before being brought under control.

It was not immediately clear whether the two incidents involved the same ship.