Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely Over US Naval Blockade

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed, escalating tensions with the United States despite an extended ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Tehran on Thursday declared that the strategic waterway—through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes—will remain shut as long as a US naval blockade continues, describing Washington’s actions as a direct violation of the truce.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said a ceasefire “has no meaning” if it is undermined by military pressure at sea, insisting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz under such conditions is “impossible.”

The development comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the seizure of two commercial vessels attempting to transit the narrow الخليج passage without authorization. The ships—Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas—were intercepted and forced toward Iranian waters.

Authorities in Panama condemned the action as a serious threat to maritime security, while international shipping monitors reported additional confrontations involving Iranian gunboats in the region. One vessel reportedly sustained minor damage after being fired upon near Omani waters.

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On the other side, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had turned back at least 31 vessels as part of its enforcement of a growing US naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked trade routes.

The blockade, ordered by Donald Trump, is aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran without triggering full-scale war. However, both nations continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms.

The standoff has already rattled global energy markets. Oil prices surged sharply following the escalation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rising above $96 per barrel and Brent crude climbing past $105 before easing slightly. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sustained increases in global fuel costs.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are struggling to gain traction. While Washington has signaled willingness to extend the truce to allow talks in Islamabad, Iran has yet to confirm its participation.

President Trump said discussions could begin within days, describing the pause as an opportunity for Iran’s leadership to reach a resolution. Tehran, however, has remained cautious and largely non-committal.

Amid the crisis, internal developments in Washington have added another layer of uncertainty. The Pentagon confirmed the sudden resignation of Navy Secretary John Phelan, though no reason was provided. The move follows a series of leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

As tensions persist, Iran has imposed strict new rules requiring all vessels to seek permission before entering or leaving the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, reversing earlier commitments to allow free passage during the ceasefire.

With both sides entrenched, the situation remains highly volatile. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz not only raises the risk of military escalation but also threatens global economic stability, particularly in energy-dependent regions.

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely Over US Naval Blockade

Iran Signals Reluctance for Talks Despite Ceasefire Extension With US

Iran has acknowledged the extension of its ceasefire with the United States but signalled hesitation over participating in further negotiations, raising concerns about the future of diplomatic efforts and the stability of the fragile truce.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the extension on Tuesday, stating that the move was intended to give Tehran more time to submit a “unified proposal” aimed at ending the conflict. The decision came just before the ceasefire deadline and followed mediation efforts led by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed the extension but stopped short of committing to renewed talks. He emphasised that diplomacy would only be pursued if it aligns with Iran’s national interests and security priorities.

The cautious stance reflects growing internal divisions within Tehran. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the extension as “meaningless,” accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms while delaying potential military action.

Reports from Iranian media suggest that Tehran may decline participation in proposed talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad, although no official withdrawal has been announced. The uncertainty highlights deep mistrust between both sides, particularly over the conditions attached to negotiations.

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Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, including Iran’s reported seizure of vessels, have reinforced concerns that both countries continue to apply strategic pressure while diplomacy stalls.

On the U.S. side, officials have indicated that discussions remain fluid, with ongoing internal consultations affecting the timeline for negotiations. Washington has also made it clear that the ceasefire is temporary and dependent on measurable progress.

Key issues continue to divide both nations. The United States insists on halting Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran demands sanctions relief and an end to economic and maritime restrictions as conditions for meaningful engagement.

Pakistan’s mediation has positioned Islamabad as a potential venue for renewed dialogue, but the latest signals suggest that bridging the gap remains difficult.

While the ceasefire extension has reduced the immediate risk of escalation, analysts warn that without concrete steps toward agreement, the diplomatic window could close quickly, raising the possibility of renewed confrontation.

Iran Signals Reluctance for Talks Despite Ceasefire Extension With US

Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Breaches as US–Iran Peace Talks Collapse 

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of repeatedly violating a fragile ceasefire agreement, as efforts to revive stalled US–Iran peace talks face increasing uncertainty amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The temporary truce, which is expected to expire within days, is reportedly under severe strain after Iranian authorities confirmed that no delegation has yet been sent for renewed negotiations scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran had violated the ceasefire “numerous times,” though he did not provide specific details or evidence of the alleged breaches. The accusation has further heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran at a critical moment in the peace process.

A new round of negotiations had been expected to involve a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, following earlier talks in Islamabad that ended without a breakthrough. However, Iranian state media reports suggest that no officials have departed for the meeting, raising doubts over whether the dialogue will proceed as planned.

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The breakdown in talks comes amid escalating geopolitical friction, including disputes over maritime activity and strategic waterways. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, have intensified concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

Both the United States and Iran continue to trade accusations of ceasefire violations. Washington claims Iranian-linked forces targeted vessels in key maritime corridors, while Tehran insists that US naval actions and the reported seizure of an Iranian-linked ship constitute clear breaches of the agreement.

Despite the deadlock, Trump maintained that the United States remains in a strong negotiating position. He stated that Washington is confident it will ultimately secure a favorable agreement, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stall.

However, he also warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to renewed conflict. According to Trump, if the ceasefire expires without extension, “lots of bombs start going off,” signaling the possibility of a sharp escalation in hostilities.

Diplomatic efforts by Pakistan have intensified in recent days, with officials urging both sides to extend the truce and return to negotiations to avoid further escalation. Islamabad has been playing a mediating role in attempts to stabilize the situation and restart dialogue.

Despite these efforts, Iranian officials remain skeptical, accusing the United States of negotiating under pressure while maintaining sanctions and military pressure. A senior Iranian parliamentary official reiterated that Tehran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats,” warning that any renewed conflict could escalate rapidly.

Inside Iran, the prolonged crisis has deepened economic pressure and public uncertainty, with reports of worsening conditions despite the temporary ceasefire. Inflation, restricted trade, and instability have contributed to growing frustration among citizens.

At the regional level, the crisis is also affecting broader diplomatic dynamics, with parallel negotiations involving Israel and Lebanon continuing in Washington as part of wider efforts to manage tensions across the Middle East.

For now, the future of the US–Iran ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm positions and diplomatic channels struggling to produce progress. Analysts warn that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the truce can be extended—or whether the region risks sliding back into open conflict.

Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Breaches as US–Iran Peace Talks Collapse