Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States accepts a series of conditions set by Tehran, including compensation for damage caused by the war.
The effective blockade of the strategic waterway has disrupted shipping, unsettled energy markets and pushed prices higher. Despite the pressure, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington was taking a measured approach toward Tehran and suggested that economic pressure could eventually force Iran to change its position.
Iran has also insisted that it should retain control over the Strait of Hormuz after the war and has sought to impose tolls on vessels using the waterway. Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted ships they accuse of trying to avoid the route preferred by Tehran.
The attacks have significantly reduced maritime traffic through the strait. The waterway had remained open to transit before the war, while attacks contributed to the collapse of an April ceasefire. Mediators have since called on both sides to return to the framework of a June memorandum that outlined a route toward peace negotiations.
Iran Lists Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced conditions for reopening the strait on Saturday, according to the Tasnim news agency.
The demands include an end to the war on all fronts, the lifting of what Iran describes as a US counterblockade of its ports, the removal of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for damage caused during the war.
The conditions are similar to provisions contained in the June agreement, which also included plans for a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
On Sunday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the blockade would continue until its demands were accepted. The Guards described the Strait of Hormuz as a "theatre of war" rather than simply a waterway.
Trump Takes Low-Key Approach
The closure of the strait has increased pressure on American consumers through higher prices, creating an additional political challenge for President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.
However, Trump said Sunday that the US was taking a restrained approach to the confrontation.
"We are low-keying it," Trump said when discussing his policy toward Iran in an interview with Axios.
He also said the United States was only "semi-negotiating" with Tehran and was watching Iran's economic situation, including high inflation and a lack of funds.
"It will work out," Trump said, comparing the situation to a chess game.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier on Sunday that Tehran was not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington but was instead "exchanging messages" through intermediaries.
Shipping Through Hormuz Falls
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply as attacks continue.
At least one tanker was hit on Saturday, according to the UAE. Oman's foreign ministry condemned the repeated attacks without directly identifying Iran as responsible.
Under the June memorandum, Iran and Oman were expected to discuss future arrangements for managing the strait alongside other Gulf countries and in accordance with applicable international law.
International law generally prohibits the imposition of tolls on such waterways.
Oman said discussions over navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz were continuing and warned against actions that could undermine the negotiations.
Araghchi said talks with Oman over management of the waterway were nearing their final stages.
Houthis Announce Blockade of Saudi Ports
While shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen have announced a separate maritime blockade targeting Saudi ports in the Red Sea.
The Houthis said on Sunday that they had attacked a Saudi oil facility on the Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia had earlier announced that a fire at the facility had been extinguished.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis is linked to Yemen's wider war. Saudi Arabia has long supported Yemen's internationally recognised government. Fighting had been paused under a UN-backed 2022 agreement, but the situation has deteriorated since the Houthis announced their maritime blockade last month.
A medical source in government-controlled Mokha said that three civilians and eight military personnel were killed on Sunday, while another 32 people were injured. The source said all civilian casualties were caused by Houthi strikes on the city's port.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had targeted Saudi forces and military equipment in the area using missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia Signs Defence Agreement
The wider Middle East conflict has created a major security challenge for Saudi Arabia as the kingdom continues its plans to diversify its economy beyond oil.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia signed a joint defence agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. The agreement contains a NATO-style provision stating that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday that he expected Egypt to join the agreement, describing Egypt as a "natural partner on all issues".
Fidan said Turkey and the other countries already behave toward each other as though they were members of an alliance.
He also stressed that the agreement was not directed against any particular country. Pakistan's foreign ministry said the pact was designed to strengthen "collective deterrence".
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