Iran issues five-day deadline to Washington over Strait of Hormuz closure

Iran has issued a four-to-five-day deadline for the United States to meet specific conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions over the world’s most critical maritime energy chokepoint. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated on Friday, 25 September, that Tehran will decide its next steps if Washington fails to implement a series of demands "completely and all at once." Tehran demands immediate sanctions relief The ultimatum marks a significant hardening of Iran’s diplomatic stance. According to reports from The Guardian and Press TV, the conditions include the lifting of U.S. sanctions and a total cessation of military action on all fronts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly conveyed seven preconditions during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Rezaei emphasized that negotiations have reached an impasse, stating that Iran will not reopen the waterway or proceed with further talks unless Washington acts first. Tehran had previously suggested the strait could reopen within seven days, but the new window significantly accelerates the timeline for a potential resolution or further escalation. Global energy shipping remains depressed The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is vital for global oil and gas supplies. Shipping data cited by Reuters on Wednesday, 23 September, indicated that only 10 commodity vessels crossed the strait, an…