Kathmandu— Iran is formulating a list of conditions that must be met before it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, according to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The move comes amid diplomatic efforts by Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan to facilitate a return to talks between Washington and Tehran, which stalled after a previous agreement collapsed in August. Iran effectively closed the strait following a US-Israel bombing campaign in February, briefly reopening it under a memorandum of understanding that expired when both sides accused each other of violations.

Mediated Discussions Underway

Qatar’s prime minister recently held talks with Iranian officials in Tehran, joining delegations from Pakistan and Oman who visited Iran within the past week. These meetings signal increased regional efforts to de-escalate tensions and potentially restart negotiations between Iran and the United States. Qatar's Foreign Ministry reported discussions centered on establishing a temporary corridor through the strait and collaborating on mine clearance operations.

Iran’s Demands for Reopening

Rezaei stated that Iran is prepared to outline its terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with ending the regional war being among them. A spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) specified further demands, including the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian ports, compensation for war damages, and the removal of sanctions. Rezaei emphasized that practical steps from the US are required before Iran will proceed with reopening the waterway.

Conflicting Accounts of Strait's Status

While Iran maintains its restrictions on passage through the strait, US President Donald Trump asserted in a recent statement that the waterway is already “open,” claiming American forces have cleared it of mines and millions of barrels of oil are currently transiting daily. This claim contrasts with reports from Iranian officials and suggests differing interpretations of the situation. Trump also indicated he is not prioritizing renewed negotiations with Iran, telling Al Jazeera on Wednesday, “I have no time schedule, none. I’m not in a hurry.” A source within his administration confirmed that the blockade remains in place and no talks are currently scheduled.

Failed Agreement and Current Blockade

A previous agreement, signed in June, briefly allowed ships to pass through the strait for 60 days while Iran cleared mines, contingent on the US lifting its blockade and easing sanctions. However, Iran accused the US of violating the terms of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), leading to the reimposition of the blockade by Washington. The MoU effectively expired in August, with both sides abandoning it weeks prior.

Despite ongoing mediation efforts, a clear path toward resuming negotiations between the US and Iran remains elusive, with conflicting statements from both countries regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions for its full reopening.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.