Iran, US set new conditions during Hormuz talks: What does this mean?

What the report says

The United States and Iran have introduced fresh conditions in negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital shipping route that handled a large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic before the conflict began. Al Jazeera reported that the talks, involving the US, Iran and Oman, are increasingly strained, with each side accusing the other of setting demands that could slow or block progress toward a wider peace agreement.

According to the report, US President Donald Trump said Iran should compensate people harmed by decades of conflict and attacks linked to Iranian actions, while Iran recently said any reopening of the strait depends on Washington meeting a set of political, military and economic demands. Those include an end to US threats, a halt to attacks on Iran and its allies, the withdrawal of US forces near Iranian territory, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Iran also said discussions with Oman on a new shipping arrangement are in their final stages.

The dispute matters because any prolonged disruption of Hormuz can affect global energy supplies and contribute to higher oil prices. Al Jazeera noted that prices rose after Trump’s remarks, as market expectations for a breakthrough weakened. Analysts quoted in the report said both sides appear to be hardening their positions, making a broader diplomatic settlement less likely until the status of the strait is resolved. The article also says Iran denies direct talks with the US, saying messages are being exchanged through intermediaries.