Iran blocks key oil strait until US meets nuclear demands
Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the US meets seven conditions, mainly involving its nuclear programme.
Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the Strait of Hormuz, critical to global oil shipping, will stay closed until demands are met. The waterway carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.
Iran and the US are negotiating through Qatari intermediaries. The dispute centres on the order of steps rather than the basic deal: both sides agree on the broad outline, but Iran wants nuclear concessions from Washington before reopening the strait.
The US responded last week to Iran's proposal, and further talks are underway. Iran warned that if the US again moves toward military solutions, it will take whatever action is necessary to defend itself.
- Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf
- Iran's top negotiator
- 7 from June interim agreement
- Number of conditions
- One-fifth of world's
- Oil and LNG share
- Qatar
- Intermediary country
Why it mattersA closed strait pushes global oil prices up. Energy costs affect what you pay for petrol, heating, and goods shipped by sea worldwide.
AustraliaAustralia buys oil on world markets; higher prices flow through to petrol pumps and energy bills for Australian households and businesses.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 55 min ago
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