Iran Demands U.S. Policy Change to Reopen Hormuz Strait

Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States alters its policies towards Tehran, as stated by Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iran's six demands include an end to U.S. military threats, a permanent cessation of war, withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, compensation for war damages, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

This statement indicates that the anticipated U.S.-Iran draft agreement does not signify a deal for reopening the strait from Iran's viewpoint. Shipping data shows a decline in vessel transits, with only 33 vessels passing through Hormuz from Monday to Thursday, down from 50 the previous week.

The U.S. government, represented by Vice President JD Vance, maintains a more optimistic outlook, expecting oil and gas flows to return to pre-war levels, despite Iran's demands for significant concessions.