Iran denies talks with the US and says the Strait of Hormuz stays shut until its 7 conditions are met
Security chief Mohsen Rezaei called reports of negotiations 'a pure lie'; the US says its economic pressure is working.
- Iran's conditions: 7
- Ship attacks in October: 37
- Reopening time if met: 2 days (Araghchi)
Iran's position
Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei said reports of talks with Washington, or of a meeting in Qatar, were false. He said Tehran is still waiting for a clear US response to its seven conditions, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until they are met. Officials say the conditions include lifting sanctions and the US naval blockade and ending fighting on all fronts. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait could reopen within two days if the demands are accepted.
The US side
In Paris, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is open to diplomacy but called Iran's terms absurd, adding that the economic pressure is so strong there is no need for major combat operations right now. October saw 37 attacks on ships in and near the strait, the most in any month of the nine-month war. Oil prices rose on the news (see Markets).
