Iraqchi announced at a press conference in Baghdad: "If the American side has any sincerity, which it does not, the path to reopening the Strait of Hormuz is completely clear."
Iran's Conditions for Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has presented a seven-day proposal to the U.S. that includes lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, canceling Washington's sanctions on the Islamic Republic's oil exports, and ending military conflicts on all regional fronts. Iraqchi added: "If the U.S. accepts these conditions, the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened within six days, and negotiations between the two countries can resume on the seventh day."
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Increase in Attacks on Ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Alongside these diplomatic efforts, reports indicate an increase in attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations organization, at least 10 ships have been targeted in the past week, marking the highest number of attacks in a week since the start of the war in February. Additionally, since the beginning of October, the number of attacks has reached 23.
This organization has warned that the actual number of incidents may be higher, as many ships no longer report attack incidents. In one of these attacks, a tugboat was targeted by two unidentified projectiles in waters near the United Arab Emirates. The damaged vessel continued on its course, and one person sustained minor injuries.
The increase in attacks on ships continues while the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main points of contention between Tehran and Washington. Ongoing insecurity in this waterway, even if political negotiations progress, could complicate the return of commercial shipping to normal conditions.
Nuclear Disputes and Their Impact on Negotiations
Alongside the issue of maritime security, the dispute over Iran's nuclear program remains one of the main obstacles to an agreement between the two countries. The U.S. government insists that the issue of the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities be addressed from the very beginning of the talks, while Tehran demands that the negotiations initially focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring maritime security in this waterway.
Despite Iraqchi's reiterated emphasis on the validity of Tehran's proposal, there are still no signs of an agreement between the parties regarding the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The increase in attacks on ships indicates that even achieving a political agreement, without guaranteeing the security of maritime passage, will not necessarily mean an immediate end to the shipping crisis in the region.
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