Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz to US

Iran has set conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the United States, including an end to regional conflicts and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories, according to Iranian Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei. His remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and negotiations over the vital maritime passage.

In a televised statement, Rezaei said any memorandum of understanding with Washington must include several conditions, such as ending the wars in the region—including Lebanon—ending the conflict in Gaza, and halting Israeli attacks on Damascus in Syria.

The Iranian official stressed that "Dahiyeh and Beirut are a red line for us," adding that Tehran is following developments "with utmost seriousness."

Rezaei's conditions differ from the memorandum signed in June, which does not explicitly mention Gaza or Syria but calls for the "immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon."

In a further warning, Rezaei said continued US blockade of Iranian ports could prompt Tehran to target American economic interests "with full force and intensity."

On the oil front, the Iranian official revealed that the country is currently working to establish "new export routes" that are gradually expanding.

Rezaei's statements follow a visit by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to Iran on Thursday, where he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss the Hormuz agreement between Oman and Iran.

The talks also covered the joint and temporary maritime corridor between Tehran and Muscat through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as efforts to de-escalate tensions and create conditions for resuming dialogue.