Why is Pezeshkian urging an end to Iran’s ‘no war, no peace’ status?

What Happened

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged an end to what he called a state of 'neither war nor peace' with the United States, declaring that Iran is in a position of strength and the moment is right for a lasting agreement. His remarks came as Iran and Oman negotiate an arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively blockaded since the US and Israel began a war on Iran on February 28, killing over 3,400 people. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said discussions on a 'temporary route' through the strait are 'approaching the final stages' but conditioned reopening on compensation for US violations of a June memorandum of understanding. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that the strait would reopen 'whenever the United States accepts Iran’s conditions.' Simultaneously, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced six conditions for reopening Hormuz, including ending US threats, permanently halting attacks on Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, lifting sanctions, withdrawing US naval and air forces, paying war compensation, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. The conditions explicitly broaden the scope beyond the earlier MoU. On Saturday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a ship hit by a projectile off Oman in the strait, causing a fire but no casualties; the attacker remains unclear.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The developments suggest a potential Iranian shift from blockade to negotiation, yet the expansive conditions risk prolonging the crisis. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil transit; Iran’s leverage over it directly impacts energy markets and regional security. By tying its demands to the fate of Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and Iraqi militias, Tehran is linking the immediate shipping standoff to its wider 'Axis of Resistance' posture, complicating any narrow diplomatic resolution.

Watch For

Progress on the Iran-Oman temporary shipping route talks and whether the US signals acceptance or counters Iran’s conditions. Statements from the IRGC and Supreme National Security Council clarifying or adjusting demands. Further maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and attribution. Diplomatic exchanges via intermediaries, and any shifts in US military posture near Iran.