Iran has rejected the latest response from the United States to its seven conditions for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, intensifying uncertainty over efforts to end the ongoing conflict and restore normal maritime traffic through the Gulf.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, described Washington’s response as insufficient, saying that although the United States had accepted some of Tehran’s demands, several important issues remained unclear. His remarks, reported by Iranian state media on Sunday, October 11, indicate that diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough.
The standoff has raised concerns about international shipping, energy security and the potential economic consequences of prolonged disruption to one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Iran Refuses to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Before Conditions Are Met
Tehran has made it clear that reopening the waterway to the United States and resuming negotiations will depend on the fulfilment of its seven conditions.
“We presented seven conditions to the Americans and clearly stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened to them, and no negotiations would take place, until these conditions are met,” Rezaei said, according to Iranian state media.
He added that Washington had agreed to some demands but had failed to provide sufficient clarity on others. Iran has not publicly detailed which specific conditions the United States has accepted or identified all the outstanding disagreements.
Rezaei also indicated that Tehran was no longer waiting to respond to American messages, highlighting the growing frustration within Iran’s leadership over the pace and substance of negotiations.
Iran presented its proposal during the United Nations General Assembly, offering to restore normal maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if its conditions were fulfilled. However, the latest exchange has left the timeline for reopening the route uncertain.
Qatar Mediates as Washington and Tehran Remain Divided
Qatar has played an important role in facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran. Messages have been exchanged through intermediaries as regional diplomatic efforts continue to find a way out of the conflict.
According to an official briefed on the discussions, the main disagreement concerns the sequence in which the proposed measures should be implemented, rather than necessarily the components of the proposal themselves.
The dispute follows earlier efforts to revive an interim understanding reached in June, which helped secure a temporary ceasefire and included provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite continued diplomatic contacts, neither side has announced a comprehensive agreement that would guarantee the restoration of normal maritime traffic.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Is Critical to Global Oil Supplies
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. Before the conflict began in late February, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the waterway.
Any sustained disruption can create uncertainty for energy-importing countries, shipping companies and international commodity markets. Higher transportation costs, insurance premiums and possible delays in deliveries could add pressure to energy prices and supply chains.
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The consequences extend beyond the Middle East. Major energy-importing economies, including India, depend on stable international shipping routes to maintain reliable supplies and limit exposure to sudden price fluctuations.
With Iran refusing to reopen the route until its demands are addressed, the absence of a diplomatic breakthrough continues to pose risks to international commerce and energy security.
Iran Rules Out Nuclear Talks at This Stage
Tehran has also pushed back against suggestions that negotiations over its nuclear programme are part of the immediate effort to restore maritime traffic.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the American proposals largely reflected Washington’s earlier positions, particularly regarding the nuclear issue. He maintained that Iran’s immediate priority was the Strait of Hormuz and security in the region.
Baghaei also denied reports that Iran had offered to permit inspections by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog in exchange for sanctions relief.
The disagreement over nuclear policy remains a major obstacle in US-Iran relations. Washington has long sought restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, while Tehran has resisted demands it considers unacceptable. The separation of the maritime dispute from broader nuclear negotiations adds another complication to efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement.
Trump Signals Possible End to Conflict as Tehran Issues Warning
US President Donald Trump has suggested that the conflict could end quickly, while warning that Iran might escalate tensions ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Tennessee on Saturday, Trump said Iran appeared to be easing its position but could take further action before the vote. He has also indicated that the United States would not attack Iran before the elections, while maintaining that the American blockade would remain in place.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, warned that Tehran remained prepared to defend itself if Washington abandoned diplomacy and resumed military action.
“If they again move towards military solutions, we are more prepared than before and will take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves,” Araghchi said.
The conflicting messages underline the fragile nature of the current diplomatic process. With Iran insisting that all seven conditions must be met and Washington yet to resolve the outstanding issues, the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain.
For global energy markets and commercial shipping, the immediate concern is whether negotiations can overcome the impasse before further escalation threatens maritime security and the flow of essential energy supplies.
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