Iran rules out reopening Strait of Hormuz, returning to talks until US meets Tehran’s conditions
Iran has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz or returning to the previous framework of negotiations with the United States until Washington meets Tehran’s conditions, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. Ghalibaf said Tehran had conveyed its demands to Washington through intermediaries and would not change its position until its conditions were met, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. “Until these conditions are met, the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation are recognised, and the Americans’ commitments are implemented, there will be no opening for a return to the previous conditions for negotiations or the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. The remarks came a day after Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran had conveyed its conditions for ending the conflict to Washington through Qatar. Iran’s Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said the initiative in the strategic waterway remained with Iran’s armed forces, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said any renewed US attack would trigger attacks against American bases and interests across the region, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency. “Should the United States make any mistake against the Islamic Republic of Iran, all its bases and interests in the region will be targeted in continuous, effective and painful attacks without any limitation or consideration,” the military command said. The Iranian command also warned regional countries against supporting any US military operation against Tehran, saying countries that assist Washington would be considered participants in the action, according to IRNA.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a key point of contention in the confrontation. Iran has also issued fresh warnings over possible US military action.