Iran-US Tensions Escalate as Tehran Refuses Strait of Hormuz Reopening Without Conditions

Iran has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz or returning to the previous framework of negotiations with the United States until Washington meets conditions set by Tehran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday. Ghalibaf said Iran had communicated its demands to the US through intermediaries and would not change its position until Tehran's conditions were fulfilled and what it described as the country's rights were recognised.

“Until these conditions are met, the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation are recognised, and the Americans’ commitments are implemented,” there would be no return to the previous negotiation framework or reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Ghalibaf said, according to Iranian media. US-Iran Talks: Qatar Says Washington Wants Agreement With Tehran.

Iran Links Hormuz Reopening to US Commitments

The Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of contention in the escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington. The strategic waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, making restrictions on maritime traffic a concern for oil supplies and international trade.

Iran has maintained that the waterway will remain closed until its demands are addressed. Tehran and Washington had reached an agreement in June that included provisions linked to ending military operations and reopening the strait, but the arrangement later broke down amid disagreements over navigation and security arrangements.

Iranian officials have also said that Tehran's conditions for ending the conflict were conveyed to Washington through Qatar. Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei previously said the demands included an end to the war on all fronts, the release of Iran's frozen funds and an end to the US naval blockade. US Issues 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for Iran Amid Escalating West Asian Tensions.

Tehran Rules Out Immediate Return to Negotiations

Ghalibaf's latest comments indicate that Iran is not prepared to resume the earlier negotiation framework without action from Washington. The remarks came amid continuing diplomatic activity around the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to stop in Doha for consultations before travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly, with regional developments and the Strait of Hormuz among the issues under discussion.

US President Donald Trump has also indicated that he could be open to discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the UN General Assembly, although the two sides remain far apart on the terms for negotiations.

US Moves to Enforce Maritime Blockade

The standoff has also affected commercial shipping in and around the region. The US Central Command said its forces had redirected 109 commercial vessels as of September 20 as part of efforts to enforce its maritime restrictions involving Iran. The move comes as Washington continues to maintain pressure on Iranian maritime traffic.

Iranian officials have meanwhile warned against any renewed US military action. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that any new US attack would trigger strikes against American bases and interests across the region. Tehran also warned regional countries against supporting any US military operation against Iran. The latest developments leave the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the broader US-Iran confrontation, with Tehran tying any reopening of the strategic waterway and return to negotiations to the fulfilment of its stated conditions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2026 08:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).