Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the state of "neither war nor peace" with the United States, expressing his belief that Iran is currently in a strong position to reach an agreement. He emphasized that there is national cohesion, strength, and unity, viewing Iran as victorious and powerful in the current conflict. Pezeshkian's remarks come as Iran and Oman are engaged in discussions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that normally handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments, which Iran has de facto blockaded since the war began on February 28.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that talks with Oman regarding transit and management of the strait are nearing completion. However, he clarified that the full reopening of Hormuz is contingent on other conditions and compensation for violations of a June memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the US. Pezeshkian also suggested that a channel should have been established to address ceasefire violations in the initial MoU, rather than resorting to conflict, and that current negotiations in Oman are aimed at resolving these issues.
Analyst Negar Mortazavi suggests that Pezeshkian's message serves a dual purpose: to bolster domestic factions that support diplomacy against hardline opposition, and to signal to Washington that Tehran is still open to negotiations despite the US violating the MoU. This stance aims to counter narratives of Iranian leadership division and project a readiness to end the current ambiguous state. Iran's demands for a resolution include ending US threats and attacks, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing US forces, receiving compensation for damages, lifting global sanctions, and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets.
The US, however, opposes giving Iran unilateral control over the Strait of Hormuz and has objected to proposed associated fees. Sanctions and the US blockade remain significant obstacles. For Iran, reopening Hormuz without substantial economic relief would mean relinquishing a key bargaining chip without adequate returns, complicating the path to a lasting agreement. Previous attempts at mediation have faltered, with a ceasefire agreed in April collapsing last month, and a 60-day deadline for a deal passing without significant progress.
