Iran has firmly rejected any immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a temporary ceasefire with the United States, insisting on long-term guarantees and a comprehensive agreement amid escalating regional strikes and mounting casualties.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran views Washington as unprepared for a permanent ceasefire and will not surrender its key leverage – control of the vital oil shipping route – in exchange for a short-term pause in hostilities.
The rejection comes as mediators, including Pakistan, push a two-phase proposal that envisions an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the strait, followed by a broader deal within 15 to 20 days. Iran has dismissed elements of the US-linked proposals, including a reported 15-point plan, as “illogical” and one-sided.
US President Donald Trump has issued repeated ultimatums, including a Tuesday deadline, warning of severe consequences – including strikes on Iranian infrastructure – if the strait remains closed. Tehran has responded defiantly, stating that negotiations are incompatible with threats and ongoing attacks by the US and Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade, has been largely blocked by Iran during the five-week conflict, triggering sharp spikes in energy prices and fears of wider economic disruption.
Iranian officials have demanded security assurances, compensation for war damage, and an end to military pressure before any reopening. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has described US threats as “incitement to war crimes.”
Despite overnight backchannel contacts – including reported all-night communications between US Vice President JD Vance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Pakistani mediators – deep mistrust persists on both sides.
Regional violence continues, with reports of rising casualties from US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliatory actions.
Analysts warn that Iran’s hardline stance on the strait strengthens its negotiating position but risks further escalation as Trump’s deadline approaches.
