Iran's message to the US on the Strait of Hormuz: The strait will not open until the blockade is lifted

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi stated at a press conference that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened and security cannot be ensured until the US lifts its naval blockade and meets Tehran's legitimate demands. Bekayi emphasized that Washington cannot expect unilateral commitments while maintaining the blockade, and that the ball is in the US's court in the diplomatic process.

Referring to a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance to Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, Bekayi said that what is decisive for Tehran are the practical actions of the US. Bekayi noted that the US has undermined dialogue processes over the past two years and stated that Iran's 7-step proposal has been brought to a format that can be implemented within 2 days, demonstrating Iran's goodwill.

Speaking about Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi's visit to Doha, Bekayi confirmed that the meeting was held to facilitate message exchanges with the US through Qatari mediation. Bekayi conveyed that unilateral security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is not possible without lifting the economic blockade.

Addressing Israel's attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, Bekayi stated that Israel is the root cause of insecurity in the Middle East. He expressed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) faces US pressure due to its attempts to prosecute Israeli officials, and called on neighboring Gulf countries to ensure that their lands or facilities are not used by the US against Iran.