Iran unveils new weapon in Hormuz, then refuses to fully reopen key waterway

Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Tehran’s conditions were met, as Iran awaited Washington’s response to its proposals for ending the conflict. Rezaei said a corridor through shared waters with Oman could be opened if the United States responded, but a full reopening would require seven conditions, including the release of frozen Iranian funds. He also revealed that Iranian officials were debating whether Tehran should retain its existing nuclear doctrine if the war resumed, following attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities. Rezaei confirmed receiving a letter from US Vice President JD Vance, who reportedly sought to explore the possibility of restarting negotiations, but said he had not yet responded. Meanwhile, Qatar has been mediating discussions on a proposed seven-day confidence-building plan between Washington and Tehran.