Iran's Ghalibaf says Strait of Hormuz will not open until US meets Tehran's demands

Tehran's demands include lifting a naval blockade that the US has placed on Iranian ports.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Tuesday that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran's demands, including lifting a naval blockade.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi en route to Zurich, Switzerland, June 20, 2026. (via REUTERS File)

"I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding... are implemented," Ghalibaf said in a speech broadcast on state television. He listed the removal of the blockade, the lifting of oil sanctions and unfreezing of Iran's assets abroad among the demands.