Full Breakdown
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Issues New Conditions for Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
8/10/2026, 8:47:08 PM
Core Event – New Demands and Leadership Shift
On August 9, SNSC secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr issued a six-point statement saying the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the United States “corrects its behaviour.” The demands call for an end to U.S. threats, a permanent cessation of attacks on Iran and its allies, withdrawal of U.S. naval forces, lifting of sanctions, compensation for war damage, and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets. The same day Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei replaced former SNSC representative Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr with IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as council secretary, reinforcing the hard-line stance.
Background & Context – From February 28 War to June 17 Memorandum
The conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, after which Tehran shut the strait, a conduit for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. A June 17 interim Memorandum of Understanding created a 60-day window for negotiating a final deal, including provisions for lifting sanctions and arranging compensation. Joint statements on June 23-24 set up an Iran-Oman working group to design a temporary shipping corridor.
Timeline
- February 28 – U.S. and Israeli attacks trigger Iranian closure.
- June 17 – Interim MOU signed, starting a 60-day negotiation period.
- June 23-24 – Iran and Oman agree to cooperate on navigation and a temporary corridor.
- August 8 – Reuters reports a near-term deal with Oman remains insufficient to reopen the waterway.
- August 9 – Zolghadr releases the six-point demand list; Rezaei appointed SNSC secretary.
Data & Statistics – Attacks, Casualties, Market Impact
- More than a dozen UAE-ADNOC vessels have been struck; one crew member killed, 20 wounded.
- A projectile-induced fire was recorded east of Khasab, Oman, with no injuries.
- Brent crude settled above $83 a barrel as traders weighed the Hormuz outlook.
- The 60-day negotiation window is set to expire in just over a week, though officials hint at a possible extension.
Official Statements & Responses
Zolghadr framed the U.S. as the sole obstacle, demanding “never threaten Iran again” and a “permanent end to the war.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States must cease violations of the interim agreement before talks can resume. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi reiterated that reopening the strait depends on Washington accepting Iran’s conditions and is unrelated to the Iran-Oman talks.
On-the-Ground Reports – Maritime Violence
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified attacks on Saudi targets, including a drone strike on the Jizan oil refinery on July 22. The UAE condemned a missile strike on an ADNOC tanker transiting the strait, labeling it “piracy” and demanding a “complete and unconditional” reopening.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Iranian officials attribute recent vessel attacks to U.S. and Israeli aggression, but U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the demand list, and the perpetrators of some missile incidents remain unverified. No U.S. statement has confirmed whether the 60-day period will be extended.
What’s Next – Negotiation Deadline and Potential Extensions
The interim MOU’s deadline is approaching, and Tehran has signaled willingness to extend the period if needed. Technical talks with Oman aim to finalize a temporary traffic scheme, but Tehran maintains that any permanent reopening will require full compliance with its six-point conditions. The outcome will affect regional shipping routes and global energy markets in the weeks ahead.
