DUBAI, August 11, 2026 — Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States changes its behaviour and accepts Tehran’s conditions for ending the conflict, according to the newly appointed secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Mohsen Rezaei said on Tuesday: “As long as America does not change its behaviour and does not accept Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened.” He stated that the United States must end the war, release Iran’s frozen assets, and ensure the conflict ends across the region, including in Lebanon and Gaza. Additional conditions have been conveyed to Washington through mediators.
Rezaei, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed to the post on Sunday. He emphasized that any potential agreement between Iran and Oman on transit routes through the strait would be separate from the decision to reopen the waterway.
The statement was reinforced by Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to the Supreme Leader, who said on X that “the punishment of the aggressor continues, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until Iran’s conditions are met.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s seaborne oil normally passes, has faced severe restrictions since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel coalition in late February 2026. Commercial traffic remains far below pre-conflict levels amid attacks, high insurance costs, and competing claims of control.
Rezaei’s comments underscore Tehran’s hardening position as indirect talks continue and efforts involving Oman seek limited arrangements for shipping.
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