September 23, 2026 | PK News

Iran has formally conveyed its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the United States as diplomatic efforts continue amid the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

According to Iranian state media and Reuters reporting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, Tehran's conditions for reopening the strategically important waterway were communicated to the American side.

Iranian officials have previously said that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to normal operations unless several demands were addressed.

Iran's Conditions

Iran's reported conditions include:

🔹 An immediate end to the US naval blockade

🔹 The release of frozen Iranian assets

🔹 An end to fighting across all resistance fronts

Iranian officials have repeatedly linked the reopening of the waterway to broader arrangements concerning the conflict and US military pressure.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf previously said that Tehran's messages and conditions had been transmitted to Washington through intermediaries. He said that without those conditions being met and US commitments being honoured, Iran would not return to the previous situation in which the strait was open.

Tehran Says the Strait Could Reopen

The latest development follows an earlier statement from a senior Iranian official who told Reuters that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

The official said Washington would first need to formally announce that it wants to resolve the dispute through diplomacy and agree on a timetable for negotiations.

This indicates that Tehran is presenting reopening the waterway as part of a wider diplomatic process rather than as an isolated maritime issue.

Why Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy routes. Oil and gas shipments from the Persian Gulf pass through the narrow waterway, meaning prolonged disruption can affect energy supplies, shipping and global prices.

Previous reporting has shown that uncertainty surrounding the strait has already created significant pressure in international energy markets.

The situation also has wider consequences for Gulf countries and international shipping because any prolonged confrontation around Hormuz could affect commercial vessels and energy transportation.

Diplomacy and Military Pressure

The latest meeting between Araqchi and Witkoff comes as Washington and Tehran continue to send sharply different public messages.

US President Donald Trump, speaking at the UN General Assembly, called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations. Trump also warned that he faces a choice between reaching a deal with Iran and taking further military action.

At the same time, Iranian officials have warned that renewed US military action could trigger retaliation and further regional escalation.

The two sides therefore appear to be combining public pressure with diplomatic contacts through officials and intermediaries.

Pakistan's Diplomatic Role

Pakistan has also been involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict. Earlier reports said Iranian officials conveyed their conditions through mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, while Pakistani officials have travelled to Tehran for discussions.

Dawn reported that Iran's conditions included ending the conflict across the region, releasing frozen Iranian funds and ending the US naval blockade.

What Happens Next?

The key question is whether Washington accepts any of Tehran's conditions and whether the two sides can establish a broader framework for ending hostilities.

For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains connected to negotiations over the wider conflict.

The meeting between Araqchi and Witkoff does not by itself represent a final agreement. It does, however, show that direct communication between US and Iranian representatives remains possible despite the continuing confrontation.

PK News will continue tracking developments surrounding Iran, the United States, the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf security, oil markets and diplomatic negotiations.

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