Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a senior Iranian negotiator, announced on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to traffic until the United States adheres to the terms of a previously established memorandum of understanding (MoU). In a speech broadcast on Iranian state television, Ghalibaf emphasized that the reopening of the vital waterway is contingent upon the U.S. fulfilling its specific obligations, most notably the removal of a naval blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global maritime chokepoint, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. By linking the closure of this passage to the implementation of the MoU, Iranian officials are signaling a direct escalation in their diplomatic and military standoff with Washington. While Ghalibaf’s statement frames the action as a response to U.S. non-compliance, the move carries significant implications for international energy markets and regional security. As of now, the United States has not issued a formal response to Ghalibaf’s specific ultimatum, nor has there been independent verification of the current status of the naval blockade mentioned in the report. The situation remains fluid as international observers monitor whether this rhetoric will lead to further maritime restrictions or if it serves as a bargaining tactic in ongoing, behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.