Iran has issued a series of stringent demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, complicating efforts to finalize a deal for the strategic waterway. On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates reported that one of its vessels was struck by an Iranian missile, further straining the already fragile situation.
The Supreme National Security Council, Iran’s top security body, declared that the strait will remain closed until the United States “corrects its behaviour.” In a statement released by state media, council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr—a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—asserted that the US must cease all threats against Iran, end the ongoing conflict with Iranian-backed regional allies, and withdraw its military presence from the area.
Tehran’s demands also include a requirement for the US to “completely compensate” Iran for war-related damages, lift existing sanctions, and release frozen assets unconditionally. While an interim agreement signed in June outlined a framework for addressing sanctions, compensation, and frozen assets, a final resolution remains elusive.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted on Saturday that progress has been made regarding navigation and the determination of transit routes. However, he emphasized that the reopening of the strait is contingent upon broader conditions, blaming the current impasse on alleged US violations of the June interim deal.
Oman, which is currently mediating the negotiations, described the ongoing talks as being held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere.” Despite this, Oman joined in condemning the recent attacks on commercial shipping within the strait. Iran has effectively blockaded the passage, seeking to impose tolls on vessels, a practice the US continues to oppose.
The 60-day window for negotiating a final agreement is set to expire in just over a week, though the deadline remains subject to extension. President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed optimism regarding the potential for a deal, citing national unity and strength as key factors in Iran’s current position.
The security situation remains volatile, with the UAE’s state-owned Adnoc reporting that one of its ships was targeted by an Iranian missile on Saturday morning. The company confirmed there were no casualties, though it noted that more than a dozen of its vessels have been struck by drones and missiles since the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel began in February. These incidents have resulted in one death and 20 injuries among crew members.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that a vessel east of Khasab, Oman, was hit by a projectile that ignited a fire. While the crew managed to extinguish the blaze and remained safe, it was not immediately clear if this incident was linked to the Adnoc report.
Before the conflict erupted in February, the Strait of Hormuz served as a vital, open international waterway for global oil and gas supplies. With transit traffic currently at low levels, mediators are urging both sides to adhere to the terms of the June memorandum to prevent further escalation. The report also notes that the 60-day period to negotiate a final deal will end in just over a week but could be extended. The report also notes that “There is cohesion, strength, and unity in the country, and as far as I know, Iran is considered victorious and powerful in this war,” Iranian news agencies quoted him as saying. The report also notes that it said, one crew member has been killed and 20 others wounded.