Tehran, Iran – On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard made the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz contingent on the United States accepting Iranian conditions. It also stipulated that the US must cease any interference in regional negotiations. This political escalation coincides with intensive diplomatic efforts to end the military standoff.
Strict conditions and a strategic vision
The Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted Brigadier General Sardar Mohebbi, spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as saying, “If the United States accepts Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be reopened.” Mohebbi clarified that the reopening of the strait is subject to mechanisms determined solely by Tehran. He emphasized that it is not linked to the ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman. The spokesman also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz represents more than just an economic waterway for Tehran; he considered it a fundamental element of Iran’s geopolitical and strategic power.
US-Omani diplomatic moves
In contrast, the Iranian stance coincides with an announcement by a US official of significant progress in the ongoing talks between Iran and Oman. This comes amidst Washington’s intensive efforts to end the standoff and restore normal maritime traffic. Reuters quoted the US official as saying that the United States is prepared to lift the blockade on Iranian ports immediately upon the announcement of an agreement. He emphasized that while the resumption of unimpeded commercial shipping is possible, these measures will remain closely linked to Tehran’s adherence to the terms of the anticipated agreement.
US military warnings of escalation
On the ground and strategic front, three sources told CNN that the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Keane, informed President Trump’s top advisors in private talks of Washington’s urgent need to find a political way out of the war. General Keane also warned that some of the military options being considered to escalate the situation could backfire. He emphasized that airstrikes and bombing alone would likely not be sufficient to achieve the stated US objectives.
