Iran links Hormuz reopening to sanctions relief 6 months into US war
What's new: Tehran said talks could resume if Washington drops its pressure campaign and honors a June memorandum.
Iran kept the door open to renewed talks with the United States on Friday but said any path to reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on Washington easing pressure and meeting earlier commitments. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy could resume after discussions with Qatari officials, while Tehran continued separate contacts with Oman and Pakistan over the waterway. Iranian officials said the strait, closed since the war began in late February, will stay shut unless the U.S. lifts its counterblockade and sanctions under a June memorandum. The stance came as the conflict entered its sixth month and after the White House shifted from military operations to a broad economic campaign against Tehran.