No Hormuz reopening without end to US blockade, Iran warns

• Tehran emphasized that its diplomatic proposal remains on the table
• Baghaei referenced Iran’s proposed seven-day framework introduced during UN meetings in New York

Iran has said that any reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains contingent on the cessation of the US naval blockade and the fulfillment of Tehran's conditions, stating that progress toward a diplomatic resolution depends entirely on Washington’s actions.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed ongoing indirect negotiations and the maritime security crisis, stressing that differences in diplomatic rhetoric or tone matter far less to Tehran than the tangible conduct of the US government.

"Over the past two years, the United States has shown that in the realm of diplomacy, it lacks constructive initiatives and actively dismantles diplomatic solutions," Baghaei told reporters, accusing Washington of repeatedly disrupting negotiation tracks.

Baghaei referenced the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, noting that despite being shaped by the same interlocutors, the understanding unravelled within weeks after US leadership publicly characterized the process as a waste of time. He stated that past experiences necessitate approaching any ongoing or future diplomatic process with deep caution.

Turning to the situation in the Persian Gulf, the spokesperson underscored that Iran’s proposed seven-day initiative, tabled during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, remains active. While indirect messages and views have been exchanged through intermediaries, Baghaei maintained that the ball is firmly in the US court.

"Our demands have been stated clearly and transparently; they are reasonable and logical," Baghaei said. "No final agreement can begin, nor can the Strait of Hormuz be reopened and secured, unless the American naval blockade comes to an end and Iran's legitimate demands are implemented. Only then can we speak about continuing the process."

Baghaei also announced that its diplomatic initiative has been streamlined into a condensed framework that could be executed within two days, provided Washington demonstrates the necessary political will.

He noted that indirect message exchanges between Tehran and Washington remain active via regional and international intermediaries, emphasizing that the revised draft presents practical, immediate steps to resolve the standoff.

He stressed that Iran will not accept unilateral commitments without reciprocal, simultaneous measures to lift sanctions and ease military restrictions, calling on US decision-makers to make a definitive choice rather than delaying progress.

The spokesperson said that the United States has continuously undermined genuine diplomatic paths toward de-escalation, reiterating that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will not be restored unless the maritime blockade on Iranian exports is lifted and Tehran’s conditions are fully implemented.