Iranian security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr says Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington accepts six demands. His comments signal a tougher Iranian position as Tehran and Oman negotiate new arrangements for commercial shipping.
Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, outlined several conditions for reopening the strategic waterway. The demands include sanctions relief, war compensation, and an immediate end to maritime restrictions on Iranian ports.
Iran also wants Washington to stop threats against the country and release Iranian assets currently blocked abroad. Therefore, Tehran appears to link maritime access directly with broader political and economic concessions from Washington.
Iran and Oman have described their recent discussions over shipping arrangements as positive and constructive. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said those negotiations have reached their final stages, although he rejected expectations of an immediate reopening.
According to Araghchi, any agreement with Oman would only establish a framework for maritime movement. However, Tehran would still consider additional conditions before allowing unrestricted commercial traffic through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains crucial for international energy markets because major oil exporters depend on the route. Consequently, continued restrictions could affect shipping companies, energy traders and countries that rely heavily on Gulf energy supplies.
Zolghadr’s remarks also carry political significance because his council reportedly holds authority over Tehran’s final decision. Earlier reports indicated that Iranian negotiators awaited the council’s approval before completing arrangements with Oman and the United States.
Reports have emerged about possible disagreements within Iran’s national security leadership. Some accounts suggested Zolghadr had submitted his resignation, although President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly rejected the request.
Pezeshkian later acknowledged that disagreements existed but said officials were working to resolve them. Nevertheless, he did not explain the nature of those differences or indicate whether they affected decisions concerning Hormuz.
For now, Tehran appears focused on securing broader concessions before restoring normal maritime traffic. Therefore, the next stage will likely depend on negotiations involving Iran, Oman and Washington.
If the parties reach an acceptable arrangement, commercial shipping could gradually regain predictable access through the strait. However, Zolghadr’s latest conditions suggest Iran may require substantial political and economic guarantees first.