Iran Says It Is Preparing Conditions List for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iran has for the first time publicly confirmed that it is drafting a formal list of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's security chief, said on Friday via a media outlet affiliated with Lebanon's Hezbollah that the move is a response to mediators' requests, and that the conditions explicitly include ending the war in the region. The statement signals that the standoff over the world's key oil shipping lane is shifting from military confrontation to diplomatic bargaining.

**Core Demands: Ceasefire and Compensation**

According to information previously disclosed by Iranian state media, Tehran's demands go far beyond a ceasefire. These conditions include: a permanent halt to all military operations against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, and Yemen; the lifting of the maritime blockade on Iran; and the withdrawal of all foreign air and naval forces from the surrounding region. Iran is also demanding full compensation for losses it sustained during recent conflicts. In addition, Tehran insists on linking the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets directly to the reopening of the Strait. These demands bundle together economic compensation, strategic security, and diplomatic recognition, revealing Iran's attempt to leverage its geographic position to secure a comprehensive settlement.

**Fragile Negotiations and Uncertain Prospects**

Despite Washington's expressed confidence in the negotiations, deep divisions remain between the two sides. Reports indicate that Iran has so far refused to discuss limits on its missile program, which is a key concern for the U.S. and Israel. Meanwhile, the specific mechanism for handling Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains unresolved. As U.S. officials involved in the talks have admitted, they cannot predict what final terms Iran will accept, nor whether the Supreme Leader will formally approve any agreement. The negotiations could collapse at any moment due to new military clashes or internal political shifts.

**Dual Urgency: Geopolitical and Economic Pressures**

For Washington, reaching a deal carries urgent weight. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-quarter of global oil shipments, and a prolonged closure could send U.S. gasoline prices soaring ahead of midterm elections, while most polls show the American public opposes this war. For Tehran, reopening the Strait is equally pressing, as its economy is on the brink of collapse following a sharp decline in oil revenue. Currently, negotiations brokered by Pakistan are ongoing, and while a window for de-escalation appears to be opening, the final outcome still hinges on whether both sides can find common ground on their core interests.