U.S. and Iran Remain Divided Over Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, instead calling on Tehran to compensate Americans killed or wounded in regional conflicts. He also said Iran should compensate the families of protesters killed by the country’s security forces.
Trump’s response followed six demands issued by Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, the outgoing secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iran called on Washington to stop threatening the country, end military action against Iran and its regional allies, withdraw U.S. forces from the surrounding area, pay war damages, lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian assets.
Iranian officials said progress toward alternative shipping routes through the strait would not amount to its full reopening. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said an agreement with Oman on new routes was nearing completion but remained separate from Tehran’s broader conditions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also argued that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports undermined Washington’s objections to restrictions in the strait.
The dispute has reduced expectations for a diplomatic breakthrough. Rosemary Kelanic, director of the Middle East Program at Defense Priorities, said Iran may be making broad demands to secure concessions it considers more achievable, including sanctions relief or access to frozen assets. Compensation, she said, is less likely.
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum on June 17 intended to support a cease-fire and restore toll-free navigation. However, disagreements over its terms contributed to renewed fighting and the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade.
Shipping remains substantially below prewar levels. Kpler reported an average of 13 vessels crossing daily, compared with 138 before the conflict began on February 28. U.S. officials say diplomatic, economic and military measures remain under consideration as both countries seek greater control over shipping and oil flows through the strategically important waterway.