Tensions between Iran and the United States are continuing to rise rather than ease, and both sides are becoming more rigid, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries had earlier announced an end to the fighting in the name of peace talks, yet hostilities have flared up again.
Throughout, Iran has made the same demand of Washington: it has already made clear that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfils the assurances it gave. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently reiterated the government’s decision. He said firmly that, under the understanding reached earlier, the US must stand by its word.
Ghalibaf made the remarks while addressing parliament. He said Iran had clearly conveyed its message to the United States through mediators. “The enemy has understood that deception and unilateral approaches cannot thrive for long, and that its decisions have expired,” he said. He added that Hormuz will remain closed until the US honours the commitments made to Iran and recognises Iran’s rights, and that there would be no scope for talks either.
According to international media reports, Iran has placed several demands before the US to ease tensions in Hormuz. They include lifting the blockade around Iranian ports, removing sanctions, releasing Iranian assets held abroad, ending threats against Iran and halting all forms of military action. Iran has demanded that the US keep its word under the agreement the two countries reached last June.
That understanding was reached in June to allow detailed discussion of several issues, including the nuclear programme, and both sides agreed to it in the context of a ceasefire. They also decided to conclude a full-fledged peace agreement within 60 days. However, amid differences over Hormuz, US President Donald Trump created a stir on July 7 by declaring that the deal was over. Iran then announced that it too had set the agreement aside. The two countries subsequently launched attacks on each other, and tensions in West Asia have once again reached a peak.