Iran has set out nine conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including $300 billion in compensation, the pullout of US forces, and a ban on American and Israeli vessels in what it called an "American surrender document".
Conditions for Reopening
The nine conditions were reported by Iranian media and emerged as Tehran insists the strategic waterway will remain shut until Washington "corrects its behavior". Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated the country would "never compromise" either in conflict or negotiations, and that the US must fulfil its conditions before the Strait could fully reopen.
Among the demands are an end to US threats against Iran, a permanent cessation of American military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of the naval blockade, and the withdrawal of US troops. Tehran is further demanding $300 billion in compensation for war damage, the removal of all sanctions, and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets.
Additional Terms
The conditions reportedly include Iran being permitted to levy up to seven per cent on cargo passing through the Strait, while US and Israeli vessels would be prohibited. Ships found to have violated the terms could face a 20 per cent "violation toll".
The conditions include: an end to US threats and insults; a permanent end to US wars against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq; lifting the naval blockade and withdrawing US forces; $300 billion in compensation for war damages; lifting all sanctions; unconditional release of all frozen assets; Iran's right to charge up to 7% on cargo; a ban on US and Israeli vessels; and a 20% violation toll on ships if conditions are breached.
Context and Reactions
The remarkable demands follow Iran and the US reaching a memorandum of understanding in June that included plans for the eventual reopening of the Strait and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. Nevertheless, the most recent Iranian stance indicates that substantial obstacles remain unresolved.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has meanwhile declared that Donald Trump's military strategy has fallen short, asserting that neither the US nor Israel managed to bring Tehran to its knees. The IRGC characterised the emerging arrangements as an "American surrender document", claiming they highlight Iran's resilience on the battlefield and its negotiating strength.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that he believes the conflict with Iran is drawing to a close, pledging that petrol prices will fall once the war concludes. He said: "I think it's going to end pretty soon. I don't think they can go much longer." He further revealed that he is actively engaged in talks with Tehran. "I think we're doing fine," Trump said.
