Iran warned foreign vessels will be targeted if they do not comply with passage regulations through the strategic waterway.
10:14 PM
Iran has reasserted its control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that foreign commercial and military vessels will be targeted if they do not comply with regulations governing passage through the strategic waterway, according to an announcement made Saturday.
The operational headquarters of Iran's armed forces, Khatam al-Akhbar, stated that "the management of the Strait of Hormuz is exercised with full authority by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
The assertion of control came as the United States signalled that President Donald Trump was close to a decision on a potential deal with Iran. However, Tehran denied that an agreement had been reached between the two countries.
Tensions have mounted between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides continuing to spar over the strategic waterway. Vessels have been anchored in the strait as the dispute persists.
The 60-day proposal between the US and Iran remains under discussion, with officials indicating that progress has been made toward a potential agreement. Vice President Vance stated that the US and Iran have made "a lot of progress" towards a deal, while Trump said a "final determination" would be made on the possible Iran deal.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with significant volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the waterway daily. Control over the strait has long been a point of contention between Iran and Western powers.
Iran's warning that vessels must comply with its regulations represents a hardening of its position regarding passage through the waterway. The announcement underscores the ongoing friction between Tehran and Washington over maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region.
Iran proposes ending its control of the strategic waterway and the war in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions, postponing nuclear talks.
Two U.S. military vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom, an operation to clear blocked commercial shipping, as Iran claimed missile strikes.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said it seized two container vessels for maritime violations as tensions escalate over competing blockades in the strategic waterway.
Pakistani ambassador says opening the waterway is now the main topic in talks, though it was not initially on the agenda.
Qatar has deployed mediators to Iran as negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting US sanctions approach a critical phase.
Iran has sent its response to a US peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, focusing on ending the war and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
