Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz, demands compensation for war damages
Iran has outlined preconditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including compensation for war damages, complicating efforts to normalize transit through the vital waterway. Since late February, Iran has maintained an effective blockade of the strait following conflicts with the United States and Israel, and seeks to impose tolls on passing ships. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that discussions with Oman regarding transit and management of the strait are nearing completion, but stressed that reopening Hormuz is contingent on other conditions and compensation for alleged violations of a June agreement. Security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr specified demands such as an end to the "war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq," the lifting of a parallel US naval blockade, an end to sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and compensation for wartime damage. Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that the reopening of Hormuz is separate from negotiations with Oman, asserting that the "enemy is forced to accept Iran鈥檚 conditions for the opening of the strait." Transit through Hormuz has significantly decreased due to Iran targeting vessels accused of deviating from its preferred route. The United Arab Emirates condemned an Iranian attack on an ADNOC tanker in the strait, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a separate incident involving a projectile hitting a ship off Oman. ADNOC reported 15 of its vessels h
