Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Wednesday that no negotiations are currently taking place between Tehran and Washington, and that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the United States meets Iran’s seven conditions.
“All US claims regarding continuation of negotiations with Iran are pure lies and fabrications,” Rezaei said. He added that Tehran had asked Washington for a clear response to its proposals. “We asked the US to provide a clear response to our proposals,” he said, noting that “US hasn’t provided a clear response yet but they might provide such a response in the future.”
Seven conditions unspecified
Rezaei did not detail the seven conditions Iran has set as a precondition for reopening the strait, a route that carries a large share of Gulf oil exports. His remarks come amid a wider standoff involving Iran, the United States and Yemen’s Houthi forces, who have been described as assisting Tehran’s efforts to push oil prices higher.
French President Macron has commented on improving insurance rates for shipping passing through Hormuz, a sign that markets are pricing some easing of risk even as Rezaei’s statement signals no imminent diplomatic breakthrough. It remains unclear how much oil continues to leave the Gulf region via alternative routes.
Oil edges lower
WTI crude fell 22 cents to $86.70 a barrel following the remarks. The modest decline suggests traders are not yet treating Rezaei’s comments as a fresh escalation.
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Questions persist over Rezaei’s credibility. Reports of flights operating between Iran and other destinations have raised doubts about the extent of isolation Tehran actually faces, complicating assessments of how firmly Iran can sustain its position on the strait.
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