Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising further over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway critical to global oil and energy transport. Iran has rejected the US response to the seven key conditions it had proposed for reopening the strait, calling it unsatisfactory. Iran’s security establishment said that the proposals Washington sent through Qatari mediators accepted only some of its conditions, with no clarity on the remaining points. Tehran made clear that the strait will not be reopened, and that there will be no talks of any kind, until the United States clarifies its position.
The war, which began when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, has halted traffic through this waterway, which carries one-fifth of the world’s energy supply, severely affecting international oil transport. Washington is attempting to extend the short-term agreement reached in June and restore security in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the continued lack of resolution between the two sides remains a cause for concern.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has also denied reports that it is holding talks with the United States on its nuclear programme alongside the Hormuz dispute. It said there is no truth in reports that Iran agreed to international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran stated that its immediate priority is solely to restore security in the Strait of Hormuz, and that it is holding no discussions with Washington on the nuclear issue.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, responding to the war, said the conflict could end soon. He stated that the US would not carry out any attacks on Iran before the midterm elections on November 3. However, Trump warned that Iran could escalate tensions further during the election period in an attempt to damage the political standing of his party.