Iran conditions Strait of Hormuz reopening on end to Gaza and Lebanon wars

An Iranian official stated on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the US meets all of Tehran's conditions, including ending the wars in Gaza and Lebanon and unfreezing Iranian assets. This stance comes despite reports from Qatar and Pakistan—key mediators between Washington and Tehran—suggesting progress toward a potential agreement. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the US must end conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, release blocked assets, and accept other Iranian terms. He added that even a potential agreement between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait would not necessarily lead to the waterway's reopening. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also emphasised these conditions during a phone call with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. Araghchi stated that for the Strait to be secure, 'aggressive actions and illegal interventions by the US,' including naval blockades and other breaches of obligations, must cease. Wadephul posted on X that he urged Araghchi to ensure the Strait is opened unconditionally, guaranteeing safe and free navigation for all. Araghchi further claimed that Iran has 'surprised the whole world' in its conflict with the US and Israel, demonstrating its strength as a 'hard and invincible' power. Meanwhile, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Bloomberg that Iran and the US are nearing 'some kind of agreement,' noting that signs from the past few days suggest conditions are shifting toward a peace deal or compromise. Two officials told the Associated Press that Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Naqvi travelled to Tehran on Tuesday to encourage the resumption of talks based on a temporary peace agreement brokered by Pakistan in June. The Pakistani government did not publicly announce the trip, which marks Naqvi's sixth visit to Iran as part of Islamabad's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated that talks between Oman and Iran regarding the future of shipping in the Strait have reached an advanced stage. He identified freedom of navigation and restoring the waterway to pre-war conditions as priorities, noting that any agreement must be based on 'regional consensus and full respect for international law.' US President Donald Trump said on Monday evening that he is negotiating with Iran in some capacity but is still weighing whether to pursue diplomacy or escalate the conflict. In an interview with Real America's Voice, Trump described Iranian negotiators as 'cunning' and suggested the US could increase economic pressure or strike Iran 'very, very hard.' Regarding frozen assets, Trump described himself as Tehran's 'banker,' stating that Washington maintains full control over the funds. Trump also dismissed concerns regarding depleted US ammunition stocks, claiming they are being replenished 'very quickly.' He blamed former President Joe Biden, alleging he provided $300 billion in weapons to Ukraine. Analysts estimate the US has provided approximately $30 billion in existing munitions to Ukraine, a figure significantly lower than the consumption rates seen in the 2025 conflict with Iran and engagements since 28 February. Despite signs of diplomatic progress, reports emerged Tuesday of fresh attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. The Wall Street Journal, citing a US official, reported that a US military helicopter fired at the rudder of a Panama-flagged ship after its crew ignored warnings from forces enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports. No casualties were reported, and the vessel reportedly attempted to transfer its crew to another civilian ship following the incident. Vanguard Maritime Risk and a maritime security source indicated that initial assessments suggest the Panama-flagged container ship 'Vela Nova' was likely struck by a missile while transiting the Gulf of Oman.