Iranian Official Sets Conditions for Strait of Hormuz Opening

Mohsen Rezaei, the new Secretary General of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), stated on November 11 (local time) that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened unless the United States ends the war and lifts the freeze on Iranian assets. Rezaei identified the U.S. as the cause of instability in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the strait would remain closed until Iran's demands are met, including the lifting of sanctions, the return of frozen funds, and an end to all regional conflicts, including those in Lebanon and Gaza. It is understood that he also demanded the fulfillment of other conditions conveyed through mediators.

Rezaei met with the Chinese ambassador to Iran, accusing U.S. policy of endangering the entire region. He emphasized that any navigation agreement between Iran and Oman would be a separate matter unrelated to the decision on whether to maintain the closure of the strait. His remarks indicate potential geopolitical shifts in the Middle East and volatility in the energy market moving forward.

Rezaei is a military figure, having previously served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He solidified his position within the military after being appointed commander at the age of 27 in 1981, serving for 16 years until 1997.