Iran Tightens Grip on Hormuz, Demands US Concessions Before Reopening Key Waterway

Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets a series of demands, including compensation for damage suffered during the conflict, escalating tensions around one of the world’s most important energy routes.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the waterway would not be reopened until Washington accepts Tehran’s conditions.

Among the demands reportedly outlined by Iranian security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr are an end to US and Israeli military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of sanctions, the removal of restrictions on Iranian ports, the release of frozen assets and compensation for wartime damage.

The IRGC described the strait as a “theatre of war” and said Iran would maintain the closure until its demands are accepted.

Global energy route under pressure

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for international energy shipments, and the sharp decline in maritime traffic has raised concerns about the potential impact on global oil markets.

The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking a tanker operated by its national oil company while it was passing through the waterway.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported that a vessel was struck by a projectile off Oman, although it was unclear whether the incident involved the same ship.

Oman condemned the reported attacks on vessels and warned against actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish new arrangements for navigation through the strait.

Iran denies direct talks with US

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was not negotiating directly with Washington.

He said the two sides were instead exchanging messages through intermediaries as efforts continue to find a path toward de-escalation.

Previous discussions involving Iran and Oman had reportedly focused on arrangements for navigation through Hormuz, with any future agreement expected to take international maritime law into account.

Houthi attacks add to regional tension

The crisis has also spread beyond the Gulf.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have announced attacks targeting Saudi interests along the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for strikes on Saudi military and energy-related targets.

The developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia, which is simultaneously trying to maintain regional security and pursue its plans to diversify its economy beyond oil.

Saudi Arabia deepens military alliances

Against the backdrop of rising regional tensions, Saudi Arabia has strengthened its defence partnerships by signing a joint security agreement with Turkey and Pakistan.

The agreement reportedly includes a collective-defence provision under which an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all.

Turkey has indicated that Egypt could also join the arrangement.

As tensions continue to spread across the Gulf and Red Sea, uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz is becoming an increasingly serious concern for international shipping, regional security and global energy supplies.