Iran Will Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed Until U.S. Fulfills Promises

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran's peace negotiation team, stated that the country will maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfills its commitments under a provisional agreement.

According to a report by Yonhap News on August 18, AFP reported that Ghalibaf made this declaration during a speech on state television, asserting that Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the U.S. adheres to the promises outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Ghalibaf specified that the actions the U.S. must take include lifting the maritime blockade against Iran, removing sanctions, and unfreezing Iranian assets. He reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz could only be reopened after these measures are implemented by the U.S.

Previously, the U.S. and Iran signed a peace MOU on June 18 and entered into a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final agreement. However, both sides failed to narrow their differences on key issues during the negotiation period.

As a result, no final agreement was reached by the deadline of August 16 (Eastern Time), leading both countries to return to a standoff.

Meanwhile, if the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz continues, it is expected to prolong geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.