In 2 days, Iran would reopen Strait of Hormuz as part of deal if U.S. accepts demands
Talks continue in Tehran
A Qatari delegation headed by senior official Ali Al Thawadi arrived in Tehran on Monday evening. The group was scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as part of efforts to reach an agreement between Iran and the United States.
The visit followed several rounds of discussions between Qatari and Iranian officials in both countries over the past week. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country was prepared to reopen the strait in two days if Washington accepted its conditions.
Iran’s conditions for reopening
Among Tehran’s demands are the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets held abroad. The report said those terms appeared hard for Washington to accept.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei made the reopening statement on Monday. His remarks came hours after President Trump said at a campaign rally that he might use “the hammer” against Iran if the sides failed to reach a deal to end the war.
A vital shipping route
Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. and Israeli forces attacked the country in February. The waterway is a key route for oil and gas shipments through the Persian Gulf.
The closure unsettled energy markets and continues to weigh on the global economy. The diplomatic efforts are unfolding as Iranian officials discuss possible progress while also preparing for an all-out war.
Key points
- Iran is seeking sanctions relief and the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets.
- A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to continue talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- The strait’s closure has disrupted energy markets and affected the global economy.