Iran says Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until US accepts its terms as strike threats grow

Summary

Iran will not let the Strait of Hormuz fully reopen until the United States accepts its terms, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Iraqi state television. He warned that Tehran is ready to resume fighting if the stand-off escalates, while insisting diplomacy remains possible. Indirect talks through mediators Pakistan and Qatar were continuing. In a Financial Times opinion article, Araghchi accused Washington of threatening more violence with little willingness to pursue diplomacy. The remarks followed an unverified claim by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that an oil supertanker carrying more than two million barrels exploded after hitting a naval mine near the strait late on Tuesday. Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir travelled to Tehran on Tuesday with an official delegation to mediate. Qatar said communication between Washington and Tehran had not stopped and that the aim was a solution as soon as possible. The article reports that the US and Israel appear to be considering military options, and that CNN reported last week that the US had developed strike plans.

Timeline

1. The National

   21 Oct 2026, 07:04 UTCSource ↗

   The National reports that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz will not fully reopen until the US accepts Iran's terms, while warning Tehran is ready to resume fighting if the stand-off escalates.