Iran Vows to Keep Hormuz Closed Until US Meets Demands

Tehran has reinforced its determination to use control of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in its confrontation with Washington. According to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran will not reopen the strategic waterway until its conditions are satisfied and the United States fulfils commitments under an earlier interim agreement.

The terms of the June agreement include lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, removing sanctions on its oil exports, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and ending military operations and threats against the country.

The closure of the Strait has sharply reduced tanker traffic, disrupted Gulf energy exports, and added a significant geopolitical risk premium to global oil prices.