Iranian President Outlines Conditions for Strait of Hormuz Reopening in U.S. Interview

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in an interview with CBS News that Iran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but only if the United States adheres to a previously established memorandum of understanding. The discussion took place on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” with Pezeshkian outlining a framework that would see the waterway cleared within seven days following a U.S. acceptance of the terms.

Pezeshkian referenced a deal signed in June by himself and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which ultimately collapsed due to disagreements over shipping lanes. He argued that the subsequent military escalation, including attacks on vessels by the IRGC, stemmed from a failure to coordinate according to the agreed-upon routes. “If the United States agrees to proceed in that way, everything will return to the way it was before,” he said, noting that both nations have currently blocked passage.

When asked if he could guarantee his military would abide by a new agreement, Pezeshkian insisted that Iran remains committed to the original understanding. However, he emphasized that the breakdown of previous talks was caused by U.S. failure to honor its commitments. He suggested that a waiting period of one month could have resolved the immediate crisis, but the “urgency that developed” led to conflict rather than dialogue.

The president also addressed the lack of a direct meeting with President Trump during his recent visit to New York. Pezeshkian cited a profound atmosphere of distrust resulting from multiple broken agreements. He recounted a series of events, including U.S. strikes during negotiations, the killing of Iranian commanders and scientists, and an attack on a school that resulted in the deaths of approximately 168 children. “Put yourself in our position. Imagine someone came and martyred your Supreme Leader. And then, not abide by everything you had agreed upon. What would be your reaction? It’s not something that can be resolved that simply,” he stated.

On the subject of Iran’s nuclear program, Pezeshkian confirmed that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons and remains within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, he drew a sharp distinction regarding inspections. He argued that under international law, no country has the right to attack nuclear sites that are under IAEA surveillance. He criticized the IAEA for not condemning the recent attacks on Iranian facilities and stated that while Iran is open to negotiating inspection accords, it will not allow inspectors back into existing frameworks that were compromised after the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA.

Pezeshkian also discussed the new Supreme Leader, who has not been seen in public since assuming power in March. He attributed the lack of visibility to security concerns, noting that Israel and the U.S. have assassinated numerous Iranian officials and scientists. “We were having talks, they assassinated them. Again, there is no point in talking again for them to come and assassinate them,” he explained, adding that there is no security guarantee that public appearances would not be targeted.

Regarding his own consultations with the Supreme Leader, Pezeshkian revealed they have met twice. He described the current political environment as one where leaders are branded as terrorists after being assassinated, highlighting the danger faced by Iranian officials. He maintained that while his travel to the U.S. did not require explicit permission, any future diplomatic steps depend on America accepting the staged implementation of the memorandums previously agreed upon.