Iran-US Tensions Between War and Peace: Iran’s Six Conditions to Reopen the Hormuz Strait

July 9, Kathmandu – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that amidst ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel, Iran must be brought out of the uncertain state between war and peace.

Expressing optimism about the talks mediated by Oman, he emphasized that diplomatic efforts remain the best option to resolve disputes over the Hormuz Strait and to halt breaches of the ceasefire.

Speaking to Iranian media, Pezeshkian said, “There is unity and strength in the country right now, and in my view, Iran stands victorious and powerful in this war. However, we want to get out of this state of uncertainty. I believe the talks in Oman will yield results soon.”

Iran’s Six Firm Conditions to Reopen the Hormuz Strait

Under Omani mediation, Iran and Western countries have come close to agreement on creating a “middle path” or temporary corridor to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Hormuz Strait.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the geographic demarcation of this new route is in its final stages.

Nevertheless, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have set six strict preconditions for fully reopening the Strait in front of the US:

1. Threats against Iran and its sacred values must end.

2. Military actions against Iran and its regional allies must be permanently halted.

3. The US Navy and Air Force forces involved in Iran’s maritime blockade must withdraw.

4. The US government must compensate for damages caused in the recent conflict.

5. Economic sanctions imposed on Iran must be lifted.

6. Iranian assets frozen by the US must be released.

US Claims and Pentagon’s New Strategy

US Vice President Jody Hance, in an interview with Fox News, claimed that US military actions have weakened Iran’s nuclear program and conventional military capabilities.

He said, “We will see whether Iran makes long-term changes to improve relations with the US. If not, we will continue pressure and ensure smooth fuel supplies from the Middle East to provide Americans with affordable energy.”

Meanwhile, as the war prolongs with consideration of arms stockpiles and costs, the Pentagon is extensively revising its defense strategy. Jared Conley, Deputy Director of the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), stated that the Pentagon has sufficient weapons and will now focus on lower-cost and automated weapons systems.

Attack on UAE Tanker and Fire at Saudi Arabia’s Aramco

A UAE oil tanker operated by the government-owned company ADNOC was attacked in the Hormuz Strait, with the UAE blaming Iran for the assault.

The attack was condemned by officials from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, and Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Iran’s actions a direct assault on global energy security.

Meanwhile, a severe fire broke out Sunday morning at the Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

Firefighters contained the blaze, and the Saudi Ministry of Energy reported no casualties. Houthi rebels in Yemen had previously attacked the same refinery.

Iraqi Militia’s Retaliation Warning and the ‘Mecca Defense Agreement’

Akram Al-Kabi, head of the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, warned last month of retaliation for the killing of over 20 of their fighters in a Saudi-US joint airstrike.

Deeming diplomacy with Saudi Arabia futile, he declared that missiles will be met with missiles and fire with fire.

Meanwhile, after the historic trilateral defense agreement signed in Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that Egypt may join the pact in the next phase.

They clarified that the agreement is entirely defensive and not aimed at targeting Iran.

(In cooperation with Al Jazeera)