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Iran sets new conditions for Hormuz reopening

Islamic Republic demands concessions before allowing full traffic through key waterway

Last updated: August 09, 2026 | 07:23

Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor and Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

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Iran sets new conditions for Hormuz reopening

The US-Iran war has entered a critical diplomatic phase, with fighting and pressure around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz continuing to shape the conflict. As of August 9, 2026, Iran says negotiations mediated by Oman on managing the strait are advancing, but Tehran insists broader US concessions — including an end to military action, sanctions relief, and compensation — are needed before commercial shipping can fully resume. Follow the latest developments here:

07:23 AM, 9 August 2026

Turkey says expects Egypt to join defence pact

Turkey's foreign minister said Saturday he expected Egypt to join a joint defence agreement with regional partners designed to stabilise the region that is grappling with the Middle East war.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the agreement on Friday against the backdrop of war between the United States and Iran, which has drawn in surrounding nations and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

The war has emboldened Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, both of which have attacked Saudi Arabia, and a drone last month hit US assets at an Egyptian port on the Mediterranean.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told state news agency Anadolu he expected Egypt to join the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement", calling the country a "natural partner on all issues".

06:51 AM, 9 August 2026

Iran says the strait won't open until the US 'corrects' its behavior

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States "corrects its behavior," issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway.

Iran's state broadcaster published the statement by the council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

The United States must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It must "completely compensate" Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and "unconditionally" release frozen assets.

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The US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade, had no immediate comment.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the dangerous Iranian attack targeting an ADNOC tanker from the United Arab Emirates while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.