Iran Holds Strait of Hormuz Closed, Says No US Talks Date Set

Iran says it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States ends its blockade of Iranian ports, and no date has been set for new face‑to‑face talks, which Tehran blames on Washington’s maximalist demands.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran through which about 21 million barrels of oil pass each day, roughly one‑fifth of global seaborne petroleum trade. It is a critical chokepoint for energy supplies to Asia, Europe, and North America. Iran has repeatedly cited the strait’s closure as leverage in its disputes with the United States over sanctions and naval presence in the Gulf.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the strait will remain closed until the United States ends its blockade of Iranian ports. A blockade, in this context, means preventing commercial ships from entering or leaving Iranian harbors. The IRGC statement was issued on state media and reiterated Iran’s position that the waterway stays shut as long as the blockade persists.

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date has been scheduled for upcoming face‑to‑face negotiations between Iran and the United States. He spoke during a press briefing in Tehran, noting that diplomatic channels remain open but no concrete meeting has been arranged. His remarks came after a series of indirect talks mediated by Oman stalled earlier this year.

Khatibzadeh added that Washington’s refusal to abandon its maximalist demands is the main obstacle to setting a talk date. Maximalist demands refer to U.S. positions that seek extensive concessions, such as complete sanctions relief, a halt to uranium enrichment, and limits on Iran’s missile program. He characterized these demands as unrealistic and said they prevent progress.

Keeping the strait shut raises the risk of higher oil prices and could disrupt shipping routes that rely on the passage for crude and liquefied natural gas. Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Gulf have already begun to climb in response to the threat of closure. Prolonged disruption could affect global markets within weeks if alternative routes cannot absorb the volume.

Continued absence of talks prolongs the diplomatic stalemate and may encourage further military posturing in the Gulf. Both nations have increased naval patrols near the strait in recent months, raising the chance of accidental encounters. Analysts warn that miscalculation could escalate tensions beyond a diplomatic dispute.

Analysts will watch for any shift in U.S. sanctions policy or Iranian signals that might reopen the strait and restart negotiations. Changes in either side’s stance could quickly alter the outlook for oil markets and regional stability.