Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the Strait of Hormuz will remain shut until the United States meets conditions set in an interim agreement with Tehran. His remarks, published or relayed by state-linked outlets, link reopening to US steps that address shipping restrictions, sanctions relief, and financial measures.
Across the reports, the cited conditions include lifting a marine or naval blockade and easing related oil sanctions, as well as releasing Iranian assets that are frozen abroad. Several outlets also frame Iran’s stance within stalled diplomacy, with one report saying Iran shifts toward a more “offensive” posture due to the lack of progress toward a permanent end to the conflict.
The Jerusalem Post adds a political dimension, quoting Ghalibaf alleging the US agreed to the earlier Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding “out of desperation” and has suffered political defeat. Other outlets primarily focus on the practical requirements for reopening, while maintaining that Iran conditions any change on US compliance with the interim deal terms.
