Gaza Herald – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has formally presented Tehran’s conditions to US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in New York. The talks occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, marking a direct diplomatic exchange regarding the strategic waterway.
Araghchi conveyed Iran’s firm demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following months of closure linked to regional hostilities. The primary requirements include the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade and the prompt release of all frozen Iranian assets abroad.
The minister also insisted on ending the war across all resistance fronts. These conditions were delivered after Washington reportedly insisted on the meeting, with Tehran accepting the request solely to communicate its terms for potential maritime corridor restoration.
US President Donald Trump described the three-hour session as highly productive. He stated that he expects both sides to reach an agreement, noting that his envoys, including Jared Kushner, engaged in extensive discussions with the Iranian delegation.
Witkoff expressed optimism following the talks, stating he felt very good about the outcome. Reports suggest additional meetings may be scheduled in New York as mediators attempt to revive political dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Parallel to diplomatic efforts, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Makki announced that Tehran has raised its demands following the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding. He accused the US of violating the deal and committing further offenses, thereby justifying the stricter stance.
Makki told Agence France-Presse that the US has no choice but to accept Iranian demands. He asserted that Iran had won this phase of the conflict and refused to be treated as a pawn subject to unilateral treaty breaches by American officials.
The original June agreement reportedly included lifting oil sanctions and ending the naval blockade. However, mutual accusations of violations led to its failure. Iran now demands the full release of twenty-four billion dollars in frozen assets upfront, rather than through gradual measures previously proposed.
The IRGC spokesperson confirmed that the Yemen file has been added to the new list of demands. This issue was not part of the previous agreement, but Tehran now insists on lifting the blockade against Yemen due to Houthi advances near the Bab al-Mandab strait.
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, these passages have become central to economic and security consequences affecting global energy trade. Makki emphasized that no alternative to the Persian Gulf route exists for at least twenty years.
This diplomatic push occurs amid escalating US economic pressure, including recent sanctions on Iranian airlines and threats to foreign banks linked to Tehran. The situation highlights the deepening rift as both sides prepare for further confrontations over maritime access and regional influence.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
