Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has set out Tehran’s key demands for the United States as negotiations continue over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
In a message carried by Iranian state media, Zolghadr called on the U.S. to end its naval blockade in the waterway, lift sanctions on Iran and pay war reparations.
He also demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iran and an end to attacks on Tehran’s allies.
“The Supreme National Security Council will never give up, whether in war or in negotiations,” Zolghadr said in the translated statement.
Iran and Oman are holding discussions on the strategically important waterway, which carries a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The strait has been effectively closed during Iranian strikes in the Gulf region.
Earlier on Saturday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said negotiations involving Oman and Iran appeared to be progressing, while warning that the conflict was not over.
“We’re in the middle of the game,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News. “We’re applying a whole host of tools, diplomatic, economic, military tools, to ensure that we get the best outcome for the American people.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said the talks were “very close to an agreement,” according to comments reported by Tasnim.
However, he said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was contingent on U.S. compliance with a memorandum of understanding signed by both sides in June.
