Iran has said the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States changes its policies and conduct. Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning in a message for Journalists’ Day on August 9, 2026. According to Press TV, he said Iran would not move from its position in either war or negotiations while discussing the regional situation.

Iran listed several conditions for reopening the waterway. It said the United States must stop threatening Iran and cease insulting the Iranian people’s sacred values. Tehran also demanded a permanent end to war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.

Other demands include lifting the maritime blockade and removing all US military presence, including naval and air forces, from areas around Iran. Tehran also called for full compensation for what it described as two past aggressions and imposed wars, the removal of all sanctions, and the unconditional return of frozen or seized Iranian assets. Zolghadr said ordinary Iranians had raised these demands continuously for 160 days, and said the council would not compromise on securing these rights.