Iran says Strait of Hormuz can reopen in 2 days if US meets demands

Iran announced Monday it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the US accepts its demands, a move Tehran says would restore security to the vital shipping route and resume negotiations. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said an exchange of messages with Washington is ongoing via mediators, with "everything depending" on US acceptance of Iranian conditions, which include ending the Middle East war, unfreezing assets, lifting oil sanctions, and ending the naval blockade. Iran has controlled the strait since late February, targeting unauthorized vessels, while the US imposed a naval blockade and fresh sanctions since August. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also demanded a new Oman-mediated transit route and reduced US troop presence, as Washington and Israel intensify threats amid upcoming elections.