Middle East latest: Iran’s list of tough demands for US as Strait of Hormuz agreement hangs in the balance
Iran has outlined a tough list of demands it wants the US to meet before an agreement can be made to open the vital waterway.
Iran has outlined a tough list of demands it wants the US to meet before an agreement can be made to open the Strait of Hormuz.
According to secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, the US would have to meet a series of far-reaching demands before Tehran would agree to reopen the vital waterway.
Among the conditions are a permanent end to the war, the lifting of all sanctions and the naval blockade, a withdrawal of all its military forces in the region, the release of Iran’s frozen assets, the payment of war reparations and a stop to threats and insults, Iran’s state news agency IRNA says.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“These are the demands of the Iranian people, which they have loudly proclaimed during 160 days of steadfast presence in the field and in the streets,” Mr Zolghadr said.
“Until America corrects its behavior, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened,” his statement read.
The comments come as the United Arab Emirates said Iran had launched a missile attack on one of its ships, adding to concerns over the security of commercial traffic through the Strait.
Mr Zolghadr’s demands to not represent a formal response from Iran’s negotiators, not have they been presented as the agreed conditions of any potential deal.
However, the underscore the political obstacles facing efforts to reopen the waterway and reflect the influence of Iran’s hard line security establishment.
The Supreme National Security Council is reviewing a draft agreement negotiated between Iran and Oman.
The proposal would establish new shipping lanes through the Strait for Hormuz and allow traffic to resume gradually in return for concessions from the US.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran was “very close” to reaching a deal with Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz.
Bu he conceded that an agreement to reopen the Strait hinged on “other conditions,” which included the US making amends for what he said was a violation of the memorandum of understanding agreed between the two countries in June.
Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the negotiations as “positive and constructive.”
