Iran's Pezeshkian Reiterates Five Demands for War End, Including Control of Strait of Hormuz

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly reaffirmed a set of five non-negotiable demands that must be met before Tehran will consider ending its war against the US and Israel, centering the high-stakes issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz. The demands, unchanged since their late March outline, present a significant barrier to de-escalation and directly challenge US and Israeli security postures in the region. This reiteration signals a hardening of Iran's diplomatic position and places the strategic waterway at the heart of the conflict's resolution.

The core demands include a complete halt to all US and Israeli attacks on Iran, the conclusion of hostilities across all regional fronts involving Iran-backed groups, and binding future security guarantees. Crucially, the list also mandates the payment of war damages and, most consequentially, seeks international recognition of Iran's 'sovereign right' to exercise authority over the Strait of Hormuz. This final point is a direct claim over one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints, through which about a fifth of global oil supply passes.

The stance draws immediate skepticism from regional security experts. Hagar Chemali, former Director for Syria and Lebanon at the US National Security Council, stated she does not envision an outcome where Iran retains control of the Strait. The demands, particularly regarding the Strait and future security mechanisms, are viewed as maximalist and likely unacceptable to Washington and its allies, setting the stage for prolonged regional instability. The public reiteration serves both as a domestic political signal and a pressure tactic, ensuring the Strait's status remains a central, unresolved flashpoint.