Iran Demands U.S. Troop Withdrawal and Compensation, Threatening to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed

Iran has demanded that the United States withdraw its troops and pay compensation for war damages before the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened.

While suggesting that a final agreement to reopen the strait is imminent, Iran is intensifying pressure by stating that the actual reopening depends on the attitude of the U.S.

U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times and CNN, reported that Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary-general of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, released a statement through Iranian state media outlining six demands for reopening the strait.

First, Iran demanded that the U.S. lift its naval blockade and sanctions against Iran, and withdraw naval and air forces from areas surrounding Iran.

It also urged the U.S. to compensate for damages resulting from an "invasion war," lift sanctions against Iran, and unconditionally unfreeze Iran's blocked assets.

The demands also included halting attacks on Iran's regional allies and ending all threats against Iran.

Secretary-General Zolghadr emphasized, "The Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the U.S. rectifies its actions."

This is a significantly harderline stance than the previously agreed-upon memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.

The statement from Iran was issued while Iran and Oman, countries adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, were discussing measures for passage through the strait.

Sardar Mohebi, a spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said, "The condition for opening the Strait of Hormuz is that the U.S. fully accepts Iran's conditions and stops interfering in regional negotiations."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated during a press conference, "The opening of the Strait of Hormuz must be contingent upon the fulfillment of other requirements, including compensation for the U.S. violation of the MOU."

Consequently, expectations for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are dampening once again.

The New York Times analyzed that "these demands have upended expectations that Iran would resume trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz via an agreement with Oman."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.