Iran Keeps Strait of Hormuz Closed Amid New Demands

Iran declared on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to commercial shipping until the United States meets a sweeping set of demands, casting serious doubt over ongoing negotiations to reopen the vital waterway. The announcement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued by its secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, came as the United Arab Emirates reported one of its oil tankers was struck by an Iranian missile while transiting the strait.

Zolghadr’s demands, carried by Iranian state media, include the U.S. lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports, ending all sanctions, unconditionally releasing frozen Iranian assets, and completely compensating Iran for war damages. The statement also called for the U.S. to permanently end the war with Iran and its regional allies, withdraw its military from the area, and cease all threats against the country. The declaration directly challenges the optimism expressed by some White House officials earlier in the week regarding a potential deal.

The demands jeopardize a potential agreement that had been under negotiation between Iran and Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that the two...