Iran has presented the United States with a list of eight demands that must be met for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened. The waterway has been largely closed since a conflict with Iran began in late February. According to Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), the strait will remain closed until the U.S. "corrects its behavior."
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, head of the SNSC and a commander in the Revolutionary Guard, outlined the demands, some of which are new. Previously stated conditions included ending the war permanently, lifting the U.S. naval blockade, and withdrawing military forces. The new requests reportedly call for the U.S. to end sanctions on Tehran, unfreeze Iranian assets, and pay reparations.
Additionally, Iran demands that the U.S. cease threats and insults and end all military actions against its regional allies, as reported by the state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency.
These demands come as Iran faces scrutiny over its actions in the crucial waterway. On the same day the demands were issued, the United Arab Emirates reported that one of its ships had been targeted by an Iranian missile in the strait.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is dealing with internal reports of munitions shortages, which have reportedly influenced President Donald Trump's decisions regarding further military action against Iran. While Trump has denied any shortages, a report from the Washington Post suggested a clash between Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth over the issue. Hegseth reportedly blamed his deputy, Stephen Feinberg, for the intelligence lapse. The White House has denied this confrontation took place, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling the reports "100% fake news."
Despite official denials, reports indicate that Feinberg received a call from Trump and subsequently convened a late-night crisis meeting with Pentagon officials. The alleged missile shortages have reportedly become so severe that military commanders must now prioritize which incoming threats to intercept, weighing the trajectory of missiles before committing defensive assets.
The conflict with Iran has led to an 18-day stalemate, with 18 American troops killed. Iran has responded to U.S. actions with missile strikes on American bases and regional allies, and by disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan collapsed last month following Iranian attacks on tankers. Trump stated U.S. forces were "locked and loaded" for further strikes, but later cited appeals from Gulf allies for holding back. Iran denies that talks with Tehran are restarting.
A 60-day negotiation period for a deal to manage the Strait of Hormuz is nearing its end, though it could be extended.