Iran has maintained its stance regarding the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the region. This assertion comes as Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, visited Tehran, coinciding with recent attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Bab al-Mandeb strait by the United States and Yemen’s Houthis.

Iran's Firm Stance

During a meeting with China’s ambassador to Tehran, Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, emphasized that the United States must cease its military operations and release Iranian funds held abroad for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened. Rezaei stated, “As long as the US does not change its behaviour and accept Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened.” He further insisted on the necessity of ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and called for a region-wide ceasefire, which includes conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Negotiations and Mediation Efforts

In a subsequent post on X, Rezaei reiterated Iran's position, declaring, “The Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. ends the war and blockade, releases Iran’s frozen assets, and agrees to a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon and Gaza.” He affirmed that the Strait would remain closed until all stipulated conditions are met. As of now, there has been no response from Washington regarding these demands.

During Naqvi’s visit, discussions were held between him, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on enhancing political, economic, trade, cultural, and security relations. This visit is part of Islamabad's efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Qatar, another mediator, reported that talks between Iran and Oman concerning shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have made significant progress, with positive remarks emerging from both capitals.