Negotiations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz are on the verge of collapse. Tehran demands that the US change its policy, and a civilian vessel was attacked again in the strait area.
Iran’s conditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz / © Associated Press
Tehran has put forward new, rather strict conditions for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates reported another missile strike by Iran on its civilian vessel. As of August 8, no agreements on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz have been reached.
The Guardian writes about this.
Tehran has presented tough demands for opening the Strait of Hormuz: the deal is still under threat
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran stated that the strait will not be opened until the United States “corrects its behavior.” The council’s secretary and one of the commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr, published a list of demands.
They stipulate that the US must never again threaten Iran, permanently cease military actions against the country and its allies in the region, completely lift the naval blockade, and withdraw its troops.
In addition, Washington is required to “fully compensate” for war damages, lift sanctions, and “unconditionally” unfreeze Iranian assets.
Official Washington, which insisted on concluding an acceptable agreement regarding the strait before lifting the blockade, has not yet responded to Iran’s new whims. The interim agreement reached in June stipulated that the schedule for lifting sanctions, the compensation plan, and the issue of frozen assets were to be resolved at the final stage of negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that the parties have almost agreed on navigation issues, including “defining the transit route.” However, the final opening of the strait, according to him, has stalled over other demands. He blamed the US for the current crisis, claiming they violated the June agreements.
The mediating country, Oman, issued a statement calling the negotiation atmosphere “positive and constructive,” but at the same time strongly condemned the attacks on civilian vessels.
Currently, Iran effectively blocks the strait and is trying to collect passage fees. In parallel, Iran attacks all vessels attempting to bypass the route it has agreed upon. The US opposes Tehran’s tolls, although the June agreement allowed Iran, together with Oman, to work out the rules for the “future administration” of the Strait of Hormuz.
The deadline for negotiations on a final agreement expires in a week. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that now is the best time for a deal:
“The country has cohesion, strength, and unity, and, as far as I know, Iran is considered the winner and powerful in this war.”
Meanwhile, the security situation in the region remains critical. A vessel belonging to the Arab state company Adnoc was attacked while passing through the strait. According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an Iranian missile was fired at it. The company itself clarified that no crew members were injured. However, since the beginning of the US military operation in Iran, more than ten of their vessels have been subjected to missile and drone attacks. One sailor died, and 20 others were injured.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations center also recorded a strike on an unknown vessel east of the Omani city of Hasab. A fire broke out on board, which was extinguished, and the crew and tanker are safe.
Trump on Iran
We remind you that US President Donald Trump said at a press conference in the White House that Iran has little time and must seize the “last chance” to conclude a good deal with the United States.
According to the American leader, the negotiation process is already underway at Tehran’s request, and several regional states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are facilitating it.
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