Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iran is preparing a list of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as regional mediators intensify diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and restore maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran was formulating its demands and that the United States would need to take practical steps to meet them before normal navigation could resume.

Ending the regional war is among Iran’s conditions, Rezaee said.

Reuters reported that Tehran is also seeking the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian ports, compensation and the removal of economic sanctions.

The development followed a visit to Tehran by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday as part of efforts to reduce regional tensions and revive diplomatic engagement.

Sheikh Mohammed met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Rezaee during the visit. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions focused on regional developments, de-escalation and creating conditions for renewed dialogue.

Talks between Sheikh Mohammed and Araghchi also covered a proposed interim arrangement for a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a joint project to clear mines from the waterway, according to Qatar.

Sheikh Mohammed called for respect for the sovereignty of neighbouring states and freedom of navigation, while urging continued diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue.

Iran and Oman have separately been discussing arrangements for a temporary shipping corridor through their territorial waters as mediators seek to restore maritime traffic and create momentum for broader US-Iran diplomacy.

Washington, however, has rejected the significance of the Iran-Oman discussions. A US government source told Al Jazeera that the arrangements did not involve the United States, while maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz remained open, mines had been cleared, no talks with Iran were scheduled and the US naval blockade remained in place.