Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within Two Days if U.S. Agrees to Terms

Iran announced on Monday that it can reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington accepts its conditions, as mediators work to stop a return to full-scale conflict. Tehran has kept the key energy corridor blockaded since the war started in February, pushing up global oil prices and creating an electoral issue for U.S. President Donald Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters that the quick reopening plan proves Iran is acting in good faith. Iran previously proposed a seven-day plan in September requiring the U.S. to end the war on all fronts, unfreeze Iranian assets, lift oil sanctions, and stop its counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Mr. Baqaei noted that messages are moving between Washington and Tehran through mediators. During campaign rallies for the midterm elections on Tuesday, President Trump warned Iran to expect military action if talks fail. Regional officials from Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have held talks with Iran, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Tehran. Meanwhile, Oman's ruler Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussed the conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, to urge a political solution. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview that Washington must also accept a new transit route agreed between Iran and Oman, remove recent sanctions, and cut American troop numbers in the region. The U.S. has rolled out new sanctions since August, while President Trump recently threatened targets including Pickaxe mountain in central Iran. Mr. Baqaei warned that any military attack will face an immediate and comprehensive response from Tehran.

Context

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and vital sea route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, carrying a large share of the world's daily oil consumption. Any disruption or blockade in this corridor directly impacts global energy supplies and causes oil prices to surge worldwide.