Iran sets terms for reopening Hormuz, war reaches six-month mark

Friday marks six months since the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran, with both sides remaining at an impasse over the future of the Strait of Hormuz and whether fighting will continue.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that putting diplomacy back on track is not impossible, but hinges on the United States understanding that pressure does not work.

In a post on X, Araqchi said he had held what he described as "creative discussions" with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, adding that Washington should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge Iran’s rights and uphold its commitments.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to get the US and Iran back to the negotiating table, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasising that Tehran does not want to expand the war "imposed" on his country.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has said that mediators have asked Tehran to specify its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and that Iran is preparing a list of these conditions. Rezaei said that among these conditions was ending the war in the region. Rezaei explained that Iran had agreed with Oman on a shipping lane through the strait, part of which lies in Omani and Iranian waters. He indicated that ships would pass through a designated channel in the middle of the strait if the United States responded to Iran's conditions.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump attacked Iran, describing it as a "Failing Nation", while dismissing the prospect of talks.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, the president alleged that Iran is "begging to make a deal".

On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal cited sources who said that the Trump administration has reiterated to mediators that it does not want to return to the memorandum of understanding agreed with Iran in June, further complicating diplomatic efforts.