Tehran demands US policy shifts, including military withdrawal and end to sanctions, before lifting Hormuz blockade.
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US meets six sweeping demands, dashing hopes for an immediate reopening. The conditions include ending military threats, withdrawing US naval forces, and lifting sanctions, according to Iranian officials.
The statement follows weeks of heightened tensions, with global oil markets monitoring the strait, a critical chokepoint for crude shipments. Prior negotiations had suggested a potential easing of restrictions, but Iran’s demands signal a hardened stance.
Oil futures edged higher on the news, reflecting concerns over prolonged supply disruptions in the region.