Iran Says Hormuz Deal Close—But Only If US Navy Leaves

Iran announced that negotiations with Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages. However, Tehran insists the waterway will only reopen if additional conditions are met, including compensation for what it calls violations of the June agreement. The new demands go beyond the original deal. Iran now requires the United States to lift its naval blockade of the strait and Iranian ports, and to withdraw all military forces from the area. Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, said the conditions signal a hardline shift in Tehran’s position. He noted that linking the strait’s reopening to US military movements raises the stakes for any final agreement. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil shipments. A prolonged closure would disrupt energy markets worldwide. Talks are ongoing, but no final date for reopening has been set.