Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reiterated on Sunday (Oct 4) that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States fulfills seven conditions outlined in a June interim agreement. Qalibaf, serving as Iran’s top negotiator, stated that the Islamic Republic’s position is ‘completely clear and firm’, adding that Washington must recognize the end of ‘the period of dragging out the diplomatic process and dictating one-sided demands.’
Iran presented a proposal during the UN General Assembly last week that would allow the strait to reopen and maritime passage to resume within seven days if the conditions were met. The proposal was communicated to the US via Qatari intermediaries, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarifying that Tehran had conveyed its positions but additional points remained to be addressed.
US and Iran Trade Positions
The US responded to Iran’s proposal last week, though details of its counterproposal were not disclosed. Baghaei stated that American propositions ‘are more or less in line with their previous positions, specifically on the nuclear issue.’ He emphasized that Iran’s current focus is on the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that ‘the return to security in this waterway requires clear steps from the US.’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that there is ‘no military solution’ to the conflict, stating that any military confrontation would prompt a stronger Iranian response. He added that sanctions alone would not resolve the dispute, insisting that negotiations based on ‘justice and fairness’ are the only viable path forward.
Global Oil Market Impact
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for Gulf oil and gas, has contributed to rising global oil prices, with the cost of diesel exceeding £2 per liter in the UK last week. In response, G7 leaders approved the release of 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from emergency reserves to curb price surges and alleviate shortages.
Recent Incidents in the Strait
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an ‘unknown projectile’, causing damage to the engine room. The crew was reported safe, and no environmental impact was recorded. The incident’s date, vessel origin, destination, and type were not specified.
Background: June Memorandum of Understanding
The seven conditions set by Iran in June were formalized in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which established a framework for negotiations. Iran has since linked the reopening of the strait to the fulfillment of these terms, while the US has not publicly confirmed whether it accepts the conditions as a prerequisite for dialogue.
Diplomatic Deadlock Persists
Indirect talks between Iran and the US last week failed to break the impasse, with both sides reiterating their positions. Iran has maintained its control over the strait since the start of the conflict, attacking vessels attempting to transit without authorization. The US has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports and conducted strikes on vessels it accuses of violating the blockade.