Iran Signals U.S. Talks, Tying Hormuz Reopening to Key Demands

Iranian President Pezeshkian signaled Tehran is open to negotiations with the United States, while tying a proposed reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to demands involving a blockade, frozen funds and sanctions.

Pezeshkian said Iran’s supreme leader had granted the government partial authority to negotiate. Strategic decisions remain with the supreme leader, and any progress would require agreement from both the leader and the negotiating team. The authorization gives the government room to negotiate while leaving strategic approval with the supreme leader.

Iran had previously put forward a two-day framework for conditionally reopening the strait if its demands were met. Those demands include lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian funds and easing sanctions. The framework makes reopening conditional on those terms, presenting maritime access as part of a negotiated exchange.

The proposal links a major shipping passage and access to Iranian funds with sanctions relief, bringing energy and financial issues into the diplomatic process. Movement on the framework could have implications for oil markets and broader market sentiment.