'Chess player' Iran says Hormuz stays shut until US pays up
Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets a list of demands, including the lifting of sanctions and compensation for war damages. The situation remains a tense standoff, with both sides framing the negotiations as a strategic game.
Why it matters
The closure of this critical oil transit route has significant implications for global energy prices and international security.
Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets its conditions as Iranians have shown "they are professional chess players," Tehran said on Monday.“It is up to the US side to stop and make amends for its illegal and destructive actions,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday, in reference to the US blockade of Iranian ports."Lights out or lights on, Iranians showed they are professional chess players," Baghaei added, in reference to US President Donald Trump likening the negotiations to a "board game".Trump on Sunday signalled he was prepared to let economic pressure mount against Iran, apparently backing away from more military strikes after Tehran issued a list of demands for opening the Strait of Hormuz.Tehran wants Washington to lift the blockade, pay compensation for months of war damage, lift economic sanctions and release Iran's frozen assets.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz —…
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