Iran Conditions Strait of Hormuz Reopening on Israel's Lebanon Withdrawal
Iran has linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, according to a report by IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News, which cited a source familiar with Tehran's negotiating team. “The Strait of Hormuz will not be opened without restraining Israel in Lebanon, and lifting the naval blockade is not enough to reopen this waterway,” the source was quoted as saying. The same source said discussions on other matters would not move forward if Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued.
Tehran Reiterates No Negotiations Without Lebanon Ceasefire
Tehran also reiterated on Sunday that it would not engage in negotiations with the United States on a broader agreement unless the conflict in Lebanon is brought to an end. "Without the implementation of these provisions, especially paragraph 1 (termination of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), entry into the negotiation phase for the final agreement is not possible," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X, referring to a clause in the preliminary understanding reached between Iran and the United States.
Iranian officials said developments in Lebanon would dominate talks with US representatives in Switzerland. Other issues expected to feature in the discussions include access to frozen Iranian assets and the future of Iranian oil exports. "The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today's talks," Baqaei said in a video circulated by the state-run IRNA news agency.
Iran Ties Strait Reopening to Release of Frozen Assets
According to the Tasnim report, Tehran has also tied the reopening of the strategic waterway to the release of a portion of Iranian funds frozen abroad under the memorandum of understanding. Meanwhile, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces would continue operating in Lebanon without restrictions in order to eliminate security threats. "There was not and there is no limitation on IDF soldiers in Lebanon to act to remove threats. The ceasefire that was announced yesterday leaves the IDF in all positions in the security zone that protects the northern communities," he said.
Iran Closes Strait Again After Israeli Strikes Kill 26
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz once again on Saturday after Israeli strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed at least 26 people. The move raised fresh doubts over the future of the memorandum of understanding digitally signed by Tehran and Washington to negotiate the terms of a truce. The closure marked a significant shift from the earlier US-Iran arrangement under which Tehran had agreed to suspend planned transit charges for vessels passing through the strait during a 60-day negotiation period.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy subsequently warned commercial shipping to stay away from the waterway, saying vessels entering the area could face security risks. Iranian military authorities said the decision to close the strait was driven by Israeli actions in Lebanon and what Tehran views as Washington's failure to uphold ceasefire commitments. "It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic; It is noted that this first step is a response to the enemy's breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, further steps will be planned and taken to force the enemy to comply with its obligations," said the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's top joint military command, in a statement carried by state television.
Iran Warns Memorandum of Understanding at Risk
Baqaei later suggested progress would remain limited until Iran was satisfied that the United States was honouring its commitments under the agreement. “This trip is therefore about demanding that the other side fulfill its obligations,” he said, adding that negotiations toward a final agreement will begin only once key commitments are upheld. If they are not, he said, “then the memorandum of understanding as a whole will be jeopardised.” Shortly after announcing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei confirmed that an Iranian delegation would travel to Switzerland to press for implementation of the terms contained in the digitally signed memorandum with Washington.
