Iran Issues Tough Demands To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz As Another Vessel Comes Under Attack

Tehran: Iran has put strict conditions before America for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for international maritime traffic. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadar, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, has clearly said that without changing its policies on the part of America, there is no question of completely opening this important sea route.

Talks between Iran and Oman regarding the movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, and the two countries are said to be very close to an agreement on the new sea route. However, Iran has made it clear that merely reaching an agreement with Oman will not immediately open the strait. The final decision will depend on America's acceptance of Iran's conditions.

What are the main conditions of Iran?

According to an Iranian official, before opening the strait, America will have to lift the sanctions imposed on Iran. Along with this, there has also been a demand to end the American naval blockade and reduce or eliminate the American military presence in the region.

Iran has also demanded compensation for the losses suffered during the war and release of its assets stored abroad. Apart from this, a condition has also been put forward to stop military action and threats against Iran and its allied countries.

Will the strait not open even after the agreement with Oman?

This is the most important aspect of this entire incident. Talks between Iran and Oman have made progress on a new route and arrangement for maritime traffic, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard has said that the decision to reopen the strait will not be made by this agreement alone.

Earlier, some American officials had indicated that an agreement on opening Hormuz could be reached soon. But after Iran's new conditions came to the fore, the matter seemed to be getting complicated again.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy routes. A large part of the oil and gas coming from the Persian Gulf travels through this route. In such a situation, due to prolonged disruption of maritime traffic, pressure on global energy supply may increase and there is a risk of increase in oil prices.

This is the reason why the whole world is keeping an eye on the talks between America, Iran, Oman and other Gulf countries regarding Hormuz.

Have attacks on ships increased concern?

The security of sea vessels has also become a big issue amid the Hormuz crisis. The United Arab Emirates has claimed that Iran targeted one of its oil tankers with a missile. After this incident, tension in the area has increased further.

According to reports, incidents of attacks on ships in the Gulf region have increased the concern of companies and shipping operators. Due to this, resumption of normal maritime business is also becoming difficult.

Will the agreement between America and Iran be easy?

At present, there is a big difference in the attitude of both the parties. The US wants to ensure safe and unhindered movement of commercial ships through Hormuz, while Iran is linking the opening of the strait to a broader political and military agreement.

Iran's conditions include relief from sanctions, ending US military pressure and compensation for war damages. Therefore, despite the talks progressing with the mediation of Oman, it is not considered easy to reach a final agreement.

At present, the world's eyes are on how America reacts to these demands of Iran. If an agreement is reached between the two countries, then the way for maritime traffic in Hormuz to gradually become normal may open. But if talks fail, there is a possibility of further pressure on energy supplies and global markets.