Amidst the tension in the Middle East, Iran has made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until America’s demands are met. Iran has set conditions for lifting the naval blockade, ending the oil embargo and releasing frozen assets abroad.
New Delhi: Amid increasing tension in the Middle East, Iran has toughened its stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament and one of the key negotiators, said on Tuesday that unless the US meets Tehran’s key conditions, the question of opening this important sea route does not arise.
Ghalibaf said that Iran will not be ready for any agreement or concession until America implements the promises made by it. In particular, he demanded lifting of the naval blockade on Iranian ports, ending restrictions on oil exports and releasing Iranian assets frozen abroad.
‘Hormuz will remain closed until promises are fulfilled’
In a statement on state television, Ghalibaf clarified that the decision to open the Strait of Hormuz is linked to the fulfillment of American commitments. He says that Iran will not agree to open the waterway without implementing the conditions set in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He also indicated that lifting the blockade, ending oil sanctions and freeing up Iran’s assets were important issues in the talks. Tehran seems to be in no mood to make any kind of compromise in these matters.
60 day agreement expires
This statement of Iran has come amid the expiry of the 60-day memorandum of understanding between America and Iran. Its deadline was to end on August 17. In such a situation, Ghalibaf’s statement is considered very important amid the already ongoing tension between the two countries.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s major sea routes and has great strategic importance for the global oil trade. A large quantity of oil and energy products are transported through this route. In such a situation, Iran’s warning to shut it down could have an impact on regional security as well as the international energy market. Ghalibaf said that Iran is a supporter of peace, but will not compromise its sovereignty and national interests at any cost.