IRGC commander demands US 'correct its behavior' before Strait of Hormuz can be reopened

What Happened

On Friday, IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr declared on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States 'corrects its behavior,' laying out six conditions. These include: ending all aggression against Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Palestine; ceasing verbal threats against Iran; lifting the naval blockade and withdrawing all naval and air forces; paying for war damages; lifting all sanctions; and releasing all frozen Iranian assets. Zolghadr also stated that the Supreme National Security Council 'will never back down, whether in war or negotiation.' On Saturday, the IRGC, through spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi quoted by Tasnim news agency, clarified that the reopening of the Strait is not related to Iran-Oman negotiations but is conditional on the US accepting the six conditions. Concurrently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran and Oman are 'very close' to a new shipping route accord through the Strait, but insisted on compensation for what Tehran calls US violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy transit, with roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passing through it. The IRGC's direct and public linkage of its closure to US policy signals a heightened willingness to leverage strategic chokepoints, potentially disrupting global markets. The discord between the IRGC's conditions and the Foreign Minister's talks with Oman suggests internal divisions within Iran's power structure, which could complicate diplomatic efforts and increase unpredictability.

Watch For

Watch for any official US response to the IRGC's demands, particularly regarding naval posture in the region. Monitor the progress of Iran-Oman shipping route negotiations and whether they produce a tangible agreement. Observe shipping patterns in the Strait for any signs of unilateral restrictions by Iran. Pay attention to Supreme National Security Council statements that might reinforce or walk back Zolghadr's conditions, and any linkage to ongoing nuclear talks or IAEA reports.