Iran links Strait of Hormuz reopening to seven US commitments under Islamabad MoU
Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets seven Iranian conditions tied to a June interim agreement, parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday, days after Tehran received Washington’s reply to its diplomatic proposal.
“The Americans, who say something different in the media, have recently put forward proposals through a mediator,” Qalibaf was quoted as saying by the Iranian outlet Nournews. “The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely clear and firm, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until our seven conditions, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, are met.”
The strait is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil demand. Any prolonged closure tightens supply and raises fuel prices worldwide, with direct consequences for import-dependent countries such as Pakistan.
Tehran signals it can “both fight and negotiate”
Qalibaf told parliament Iran was “neither excited nor intimidated” by American actions and stood ready to “both fight and negotiate,” according to Tasnim.
The statement follows what Tehran describes as a diplomatic exchange through a mediator. Washington has not publicly detailed its reply.
Araghchi says Strait of Hormuz could reopen within seven days
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a more conciliatory note on Sunday, saying a plan Tehran had put forward could lead to the Strait of Hormuz reopening within seven days if Washington accepts it.
Speaking to foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi said Iran had clearly explained its conditions and that they were linked to commitments the United States would have to accept. He added that Tehran hoped Washington would choose diplomacy, warning: “If they again move towards military solutions, we are more prepared than before and will take whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves.”
US warns its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains “ironclad”
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington’s blockade of the waterway remained “ironclad” and warned that President Donald Trump had “options” if Iran continued to “play games” with the passage.
The warning keeps military pressure on Tehran while diplomacy plays out through mediators. It also signals that Washington intends to maintain its naval presence in the region regardless of the diplomatic exchange.
What this means for oil markets and Pakistan
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tehran and Washington in June as an interim step toward ending the war, and Iran now ties the strait’s reopening directly to it.
For oil markets, the dispute keeps prices high and shipping insurers cautious about routes through the Gulf. For Pakistan, which imports the bulk of its crude and petroleum products, any disruption in Gulf shipping feeds directly into fuel costs and the import bill.
Whether the standoff eases depends on Washington’s response. If the United States engages with the proposed framework, the strait could reopen within days. If not, the closure and the price pressure it creates will continue.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is the Strait of Hormuz closed?
Iran restricted and later closed transit through the waterway amid its conflict with the United States, tying any reopening to American commitments under the June interim agreement, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
What are Iran’s seven conditions?
Tehran has not published the full list, but officials say the conditions relate to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and include an end to military pressure, the release of frozen funds and an end to the naval blockade.
How does this affect Pakistan?
Pakistan imports most of its crude oil and petroleum products. A closed strait disrupts Gulf shipping and raises Pakistan’s fuel costs and import bill.
Could the strait reopen soon?
Iran’s foreign minister says a Tehran proposal could reopen it within seven days if Washington accepts it. The US defence secretary has warned the American blockade remains “ironclad,” so a quick resolution depends on diplomacy producing an agreement.
