Iran Refuses To Open Strait Of Hormuz Until U.S. Meets Demands

Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to commercial shipping until the United States fundamentally alters its regional policies. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that ongoing diplomatic discussions with Oman are approaching their final stages, but clarified this does not guarantee the immediate reopening of the crucial waterway. Tehran outlined stringent prerequisites, demanding that Washington permanently cease military threats, terminate the ongoing naval blockade, withdraw all regional military assets, lift comprehensive economic sanctions, unfreeze overseas assets, and fully compensate Iran for war damages. This escalation follows a targeted strike by Iranian forces on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessel in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, regional tensions heightened further as Houthi forces in Yemen claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Saudi refinery. The White House and Department of Defense have not yet issued a formal response to Tehran's new sweeping demands.