Iran: Hormuz Will Not Reopen Until Conditions Are Met, Has Shifted to "Fully Offensive" Posture

The Odaily Planet Daily reports that as the 60-day provisional memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran technically expires, Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets the relevant conditions, and has stated that it has shifted to a "fully offensive" strategic posture. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that the US must lift the blockade on Iranian ports and oil sanctions, release Iran's frozen assets, and completely halt military operations and threats on all fronts before the strait can be reopened. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will continue fighting until its conditions are accepted, and claimed that "Iran has won both the war and diplomacy." President Trump, meanwhile, said there are currently no negotiations or dialogues underway or scheduled between the US and Iran, that the naval blockade remains fully in effect, and that the strait is open and functioning normally, with all mines removed or detonated. At the same time, Iran is holding bilateral talks with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian military is also investigating commercial shipping networks providing logistical support to US forces, and has warned that companies or vessel operators transporting supplies for US military operations against Iran may face economic, legal, and retaliatory countermeasures.