Iran will make no nuclear concessions, Iranian official says - reuters.com

A senior Iranian official stated on Friday that Iran will not offer any concessions regarding its nuclear program, regardless of potential negotiations concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the strategically vital waterway will remain closed until all of Iran’s conditions are met by the United States.

The current impasse follows a proposal outlined by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday. Under this plan, Tehran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a series of actions from the United States. These conditions include the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and the waiving of oil sanctions.

The proposal specifies that these measures should be implemented within seven days. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central bargaining chip in the ongoing conflict between the two nations, as it serves as a critical route for the global oil supply. Washington is seeking to restore free passage for shipping, while Tehran is aiming to secure relief from the blockade that has significantly impacted its economy.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply following seven months of conflict between Iran and the United States. The situation has been further complicated by regional activities, including missile and drone attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen against Saudi Arabia.

The diplomatic discussions are taking place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. While the Iranian government has presented its conditions for reopening the waterway, the insistence that the nuclear program remains separate from these negotiations highlights the ongoing complexities in the broader U.S.-Iran conflict.