U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will not lift sanctions on Iran until the Strait of Hormuz reopens and Tehran surrenders enriched uranium.
This stance establishes a strict prerequisite for diplomatic relief, linking global energy security and nuclear non-proliferation directly to the removal of economic penalties. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, and any prolonged closure threatens global market stability.
Speaking during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 2026 [1], Bessent said the administration's requirements for any potential deal. He said that the U.S. will not consider sanctions relief until the strategic shipping lane is fully operational and Iran turns over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium [1], [2].
"Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open, and the Iranians agree they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium," Bessent said [1].
The demand for the surrender of nuclear materials represents a significant escalation in the U.S. position, moving beyond monitoring to a requirement for total divestment of specific materials. This approach seeks to permanently reduce Iran's capability to produce nuclear weapons while ensuring the free flow of maritime commerce.
While Bessent maintained this hard line, other reports have suggested a potential nuance in the U.S. approach. Some sources said that Washington may consider removing sanctions specifically on Iranian oil that is currently stranded at sea, though this contradicts the broader demand for full compliance before any relief is granted [3].
The U.S. government continues to prioritize the reopening of the strait to prevent further disruptions to international trade. The administration has signaled that the surrender of uranium is a non-negotiable component of any future agreement [1], [2].
“"Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open"”
The U.S. is utilizing a 'maximum pressure' strategy by tying economic incentives to tangible security guarantees. By demanding both the reopening of a critical shipping lane and the surrender of nuclear materials, Washington is attempting to force a comprehensive capitulation from Tehran rather than a incremental diplomatic compromise. This increases the risk of a prolonged stalemate if Iran views these demands as a violation of its national sovereignty.
