Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Closed Until U.S. Meets Its Demands

Iran's foreign ministry announced on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the United States fulfills a set of conditions, including lifting the blockade of Iranian ports, paying compensation for war-related damage, ending economic sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

"It is up to the U.S. side to stop and make amends for its illegal and destructive actions," spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, referring to the American measures against Iran.

The strait, which normally carries about 20% of global oil shipments, has been effectively shut, affecting energy markets and becoming a focal point of U.S. political debate ahead of the November midterm elections. Iran is holding parallel negotiations with Oman about a possible temporary shipping corridor, but any full reopening is said to depend on the outcome of talks with Washington.

In related regional developments, Israel's military declared the West Bank town of Taybeh a closed military zone to restrict Israeli settlers and other non-residents after repeated attacks on the community. The order does not apply to Palestinian residents or journalists unless deemed a security threat.

Meanwhile, Yemen's internationally recognised government reported that Houthi rebels killed seven people, including four soldiers and three civilians, in an attack on the Red Sea port of Mokha. The strike is part of a broader wave of Houthi operations targeting government-held areas since a 2022 truce.

In Gaza, beekeepers are attempting to revive honey production near the Yellow Line despite restrictions on equipment imposed by the Israeli blockade.