Iran lays out demands to reopen Strait of Hormuz as tensions with U.S. continue
Uncertainty is growing over the future of the Strait of Hormuz as Iran lays out a series of demands for reopening the critical shipping route and says there are currently no negotiations with the United States.
(NBC)- Uncertainty is growing over the future of the Strait of Hormuz as Iran lays out a series of demands for reopening the critical shipping route and says there are currently no negotiations with the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Washington are not underway, despite President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that efforts to end the war are progressing.
According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait include a permanent end to the war and further threats against Iran, an end to the U.S. blockade, the withdrawal of American military forces, the lifting of sanctions and the return of Iranian assets.
Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration continues to apply diplomatic, economic and military pressure as it works toward an agreement.
Trump told Axios that his administration is “low-keying it” with Iran and described the two countries as only “semi-negotiating,” while emphasizing continued economic pressure on Tehran.
Democrats have criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy argued the United States has become weaker and that the price of reopening the Strait of Hormuz continues to increase.
The administration rejects that assessment. Vance said there has been some progress in recent days and that officials are working to maximize the amount of oil and gas moving through the Strait.
Meanwhile, a broader effort to secure peace in the Middle East has encountered another obstacle.
Israel has rejected Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which calls for Israeli forces to withdraw as Hamas disarms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that Israeli forces will not leave Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed — a condition Hamas has rejected.
