Iran to keep Strait of Hormuz closed until US fulfils peace commitments

Iran has affirmed that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfils its commitments under the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties.

In a speech to parliament, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would use both diplomatic and military means to make the US understand the consequences of its actions, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.

“I emphasise that as long as the US has not fulfilled its commitments under the memorandum of understanding, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, lifting oil sanctions, halting threats and military operations on all fronts, and implementing other provisions promised in the memorandum, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened,” Ghalibaf said.

The period set out in the memorandum, including the lifting of the US blockade and a ceasefire, has helped Iran strengthen its economic resilience and rebuild its defence capabilities.

“Iran is prepared, in proportion to the enemy’s actions and aggression, to inflict an even more crushing defeat upon them,” Ghalibaf stressed.

Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, to end hostilities and open a 60-day period for negotiations towards a final agreement.

However, subsequent talks stalled amid disputes over the implementation of the memorandum and arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas exports.