Kathmandu— Iran stated Monday that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping solely through diplomacy, citing ongoing military pressure from the United States as the primary obstacle. The closure, enacted in response to what Iran describes as a US-Israeli military campaign, has escalated tensions and disrupted global oil markets. Iranian officials insist that any resolution requires Washington to lift sanctions, compensate Tehran for war damage, release frozen funds, and permanently end hostilities against Iran and its allies.

Conditions for Reopening

Tehran has outlined a series of non-negotiable conditions for allowing vessels to once again transit the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. These demands include financial compensation for alleged war damage, the complete removal of economic sanctions imposed by the United States, and the release of Iranian funds currently frozen in international accounts. Additionally, Iran seeks assurances that Washington will cease all hostile actions against both Iran itself and its regional partners.

Escalating Tensions

The current standoff began with Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a period of heightened military activity it attributes to the US and Israel. This action prompted a naval blockade of Iranian ports by Washington, further intensifying the situation. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, diplomacy cannot succeed “when dealing with a side that insists on the use of force,” emphasizing the need for both authority and military power alongside diplomatic efforts.

US Strategy of Pressure

US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to maintain economic pressure on Iran as leverage in negotiations. In comments to Axios, Trump revealed his administration is “low-keying” talks while allowing inflationary pressures to build within the Iranian economy, describing the situation as “like a chess game.” Previous discussions centered around a 14-point memorandum of understanding intended to establish a ceasefire and gradually restore commercial traffic, but those talks stalled over implementation details.

Regional Discussions

While engaging in bilateral discussions with Oman regarding potential shipping arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has clarified that any agreement reached with Muscat will not automatically result in the waterway’s reopening. This suggests Tehran remains firm in its broader demands from Washington and views regional agreements as secondary to a comprehensive resolution with the United States.

Impact on Global Markets

The disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already exerted significant pressure on global energy markets, driving up oil prices. On Monday, international benchmark Brent crude rose nearly 3% to reach $85 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed to $80 amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding negotiations.

Talks remain stalled as both sides maintain their positions, with Iran insisting on the fulfillment of its conditions and the United States continuing to apply economic pressure. The future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.