Iran sets conditions to reopen Strait of Hormuz as Trump weighs new strikes

Tehran conditions and framework terms

Iran has conveyed formal conditions to resume negotiations with the United States following the expiration of the bilateral June framework agreement. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei stated that talks require an end to the war across all fronts, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the lifting of the US naval blockade. The conditions also demand that Washington halt interference in domestic affairs, cease cooperation with opposition groups, and stop strikes against Iranian territory. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these requirements are fulfilled and US commitments are implemented.

Our conditions are an end to the war on all fronts, the release of our frozen funds, and an end to the naval blockade.

Military threats and US posture

The diplomatic standoff follows months of fighting that began on 28 February 2026, when an initial US and Israeli campaign failed to overthrow the Iranian government. Tensions intensified after Donald Trump indicated he is weighing expanded military action ahead of the US Congressional elections scheduled in roughly six weeks. Trump reviewed plans for additional air strikes in July and told Axios on Thursday that he faces a choice on whether to launch operations targeting the Iranian leadership. In response, Iranian Army Chief Ali Jahanshahi and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Brigadier General Mohammad Karami declared that Iranian forces are prepared to retaliate against any US action.

I have a big decision ahead of me. Do I want to go in and destroy them or not? It is a big decision. With me, anything could happen.

Maritime blockade and regional fallout

The conflict has disrupted energy markets and expanded across the region, with oil prices rising from $73 per barrel at the start of hostilities in February to over $100 per barrel. After Iranian forces took control of the Strait of Hormuz using missile and drone capabilities, Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports to halt oil exports. The 14-point framework agreement signed in mid-June 2026 had stipulated a 60-day period during which Iran would ensure safe, fee-free passage for commercial shipping in exchange for lifting the blockade, but the pact lapsed in August after disputes over terms. Hostilities have also renewed in Yemen between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia.

Mediation and upcoming talks

Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan have attempted to restart talks based on the June framework. Israeli analyst Danny Citrinowicz stated on X that Tehran seeks to restore the original 14 points rather than renegotiate terms, provided Washington honors commitments regarding asset releases and maritime navigation. Mohsen Rezaei stated that Iran remains committed to the nuclear fatwa issued by former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei banning nuclear weapons, though he warned that continued US pressure could prompt Tehran to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Trump is scheduled to meet leaders from six Arab Gulf states on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.