Iran Links Strait of Hormuz Reopening to US Demands
Key Developments:
- Iran links Hormuz reopening to US fulfilment of its demands.
- Qalibaf demands sanctions relief and release of frozen Iranian assets.
- US says the Strait is open as diplomatic tensions persist.
TEHRAN (Arab News) — August 19, 2026: Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States fulfils conditions Tehran says were agreed under a June memorandum, adding further uncertainty to efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said the demands include an end to the US naval blockade, the lifting of oil sanctions and the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.
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“I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding … are implemented,” Qalibaf said in remarks broadcast on Iranian state television.
His statement came as the 60-day framework agreed by the two sides has effectively broken down, with Washington and Tehran disagreeing over the terms of the arrangement and the status of the strategically important waterway. Reuters reported that the memorandum, signed on June 17, was intended to provide a framework for a broader agreement, including issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran sets Conditions for Reopening
Qalibaf identified several conditions that Tehran wants Washington to meet before the waterway is reopened.
These include removing what Iran describes as a naval blockade, lifting US oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad. Iran has also previously demanded an end to US military operations and threats against the country.
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Iran’s position has hardened amid the deterioration of the June agreement. A senior Iranian official had said on August 17 that Tehran would adopt a “fully offensive” military posture if diplomatic efforts failed.
The developments have raised concerns over the future of commercial shipping through the Strait, a major route for international energy supplies.
US and Iran give Conflicting Accounts
The two countries have offered conflicting accounts of the current status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran maintains that the waterway remains closed until its conditions are met. US President Donald Trump, however, said on August 18 that the Strait was open and operating and that no US-Iran talks were currently taking place or scheduled.
The conflicting statements come as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain and maritime traffic through the waterway has been significantly disrupted.
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Oil markets have responded to the uncertainty. Reuters reported that Brent crude reached $91.02 per barrel on August 18, while West Texas Intermediate settled at $84.94, with concerns over prolonged disruption around Hormuz contributing to market pressure.
Qalibaf to Visit Iraq
Qalibaf is also scheduled to travel to Iraq as part of a high-level parliamentary delegation, according to Iranian media.
Iran’s Fars news agency said the delegation would discuss regional developments, strengthen cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad and explore measures aimed at regional stability and security.
The visit comes as Baghdad faces pressure over armed groups operating in Iraq. The Iraqi government has set a September 30 deadline for Iran-backed armed factions to disarm, coinciding with the planned end of the US-led coalition’s mission against Daesh.
Qalibaf’s visit could therefore provide another diplomatic channel for discussions on regional security and the wider US-Iran confrontation.
Iranian Nationals Detained in Kuwait
Separately, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait said he had met four Iranian nationals who have reportedly been detained in Kuwait for around three months.
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The reported meeting comes after an Iranian military official accused Kuwait of withholding information about the detainees’ situation.
Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on Tuesday that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran’s demands.
The circumstances surrounding their detention were not independently detailed in the supplied report, and no further information was immediately available regarding any charges against them.
The developments come as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect diplomacy, shipping and global energy markets. For now, Tehran is linking any reopening of the waterway to specific demands from Washington, while the US maintains a different position on the Strait’s status.
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