Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets Tehran’s demands, as Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran for talks on August 12, 2026, amid escalating regional tensions.
Iran’s Unyielding Conditions for Strait Reopening
Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated in a post on X: As long as the U.S. does not change its behaviour and accept Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened.
The demands, outlined by Rezaei, include ending the U.S. military campaign, releasing Iranian funds, and a ceasefire across the Middle East, including in Gaza and Lebanon.
The conditions reflect Iran’s broader strategy to leverage the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its conflict with the U.S. Analysts suggest that Tehran views the waterway as a sword of Damocles
to ensure U.S. compliance with its demands. Iran wants to front-load benefits without surrendering its main leverage, which is Hormuz,
said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group.
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts and Naqvi’s Visit
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on August 12 for his sixth trip to Tehran since the conflict began, aiming to mediate between the two nations. Naqvi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with discussions focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and bilateral ties. Pakistan has hosted talks between U.S. and Iranian officials, including a June MOU that temporarily eased tensions.
Baqaei emphasized that reciprocal visits and exchanges are a natural part of the growing ties between the two neighboring countries.
However, the timing of such visits remains contingent on U.S. compliance with Iran’s conditions. Naqvi’s visit also included discussions on regional security, with Tehran seeking to strengthen ties with Pakistan amid the broader conflict.
Trump’s Ambivalent Approach and Strategic Calculations
U.S. President Donald Trump has oscillated between threatening escalation and suggesting a potential deal, complicating diplomatic efforts. In an interview, Trump indicated that the U.S. might “bop along” and let Iran face economic pressure rather than rush into a deal. Trump’s comments reflect a strategy of maintaining pressure on Iran while avoiding a swift resolution, which could undermine his leverage in future negotiations.
Analysts note that Trump’s approach is influenced by internal divisions within the U.S. government, with some officials advocating for diplomacy and others pushing for military action. There are also those in Washington who believe that once the strait is open, Trump would be tempted to walk away from the whole issue,
said Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House.
Regional Implications and Escalating Tensions
The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz has broader regional implications, with attacks on shipping intensifying. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that the Strait of Hormuz remains a “theatre of war” and not just a waterway, signaling a willingness to escalate further if demands are not met.
The conflict has also widened to Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah has launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli military strikes.
The Uncertain Path Forward
With Iran maintaining its conditions and the U.S. adopting a cautious approach, the path to resolving the crisis remains unclear. Pakistan’s role as a mediator is under scrutiny, with some questioning its effectiveness amid the ongoing conflict. Moneycontrol highlighted that Islamabad’s influence in the negotiations is uncertain, despite its repeated efforts to facilitate dialogue.
The situation underscores the fragility of the current diplomatic landscape, with both sides unwilling to concede without guarantees. As negotiations continue, the fate of the Strait of Hormuz—and the broader regional stability—remains in limbo. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a breakthrough is possible or if the conflict will continue to escalate.
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