Iran sets Strait of Hormuz talks condition: end US blockade

Iran said Monday that Washington must end its naval blockade before any talks can progress on securing the Strait of Hormuz, placing the onus on the US to act in good faith. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated Iran's demands are clear and reasonable. Baghaei said no final agreement or reopening of the strait is possible unless the blockade ends, adding that Tehran evaluates the US on performance, not rhetoric. He criticized Washington's diplomatic record, citing the unravelled Islamabad Memorandum, and noted a seven-step Iranian plan could be implemented within two days if conditions are met. The remarks follow a reported letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iran's security chief, seeking to restart negotiations amid threats of military strikes. Iran has conveyed its conditions via Qatari mediators in Doha, while warning it is prepared for all scenarios, including war.