In a major diplomatic development amid ongoing conflict with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Monday that Tehran is open to reopening the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided Washington meets its specific demands.
Speaking on the ongoing indirect negotiations, Baqaei noted that an exchange of messages through regional mediators remains active, emphasising that “everything depends” on the US side agreeing to Iran’s prerequisites before further talks can proceed.
Tehran’s conditions for restoring security to the vital maritime chokepoint include a comprehensive end to the regional war, unfreezing Iranian overseas assets, lifting sanctions on its energy sector, and dismantling the US naval blockade.
Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted that the US must accept a new shipping route established in coordination with Oman, ease recent sanctions, and reduce its troop footprint in the Middle East.
The proposal arrives against a backdrop of escalating fears over potential military strikes by the US and Israel following Tuesday’s American midterm elections. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to authorise immediate strikes on Iranian targets, Washington continues to gauge diplomatic avenues.
The strategic waterway, responsible for transporting roughly a fifth of global petroleum supplies, has experienced persistent transit blockades since hostilities broke out earlier this year.
