Iran has taken a firm stance that it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz as long as the US naval blockade continues, further escalating tensions with the United States over one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. Tehran has tightened control over the waterway and claims to have seized two foreign vessels, citing repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, as regional tensions intensify, US President Donald Trump has announced that the ceasefire will be maintained for the time being, expressing interest in allowing peace talks mediated by Pakistan. Iran has welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts but has not issued an official response to Trump’s statement.
During preliminary talks in Islamabad, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation, stated that a ceasefire has no meaning while a naval blockade remains in place. He emphasized that Iran will not consider reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing violations.
Oil markets have remained volatile following the February 28 attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, with fears of renewed conflict pushing prices higher, while US stock markets have shown relative stability.
Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has seized two vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epeirnondas. Panama called the incident a serious breach of maritime security, while UK-based monitoring groups confirmed increased military activity in the region.
A container ship near Oman was also reportedly fired upon, causing structural damage but no casualties. Meanwhile, US forces continue efforts to intercept vessels linked to Iranian ports, seen as part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on Iran without direct military escalation.
The Pentagon has announced the immediate resignation of US Navy Secretary John Phelan, though no reason has been provided, signaling possible high-level reshuffling within the defense establishment.
Iran has now introduced a requirement for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to obtain prior authorization. While previously allowing free passage during the ceasefire, the policy has been tightened following US sanctions and naval pressure. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have also remained high amid the broader regional crisis. Despite a ceasefire announcement, Lebanese media reported that five more people were killed in Israeli strikes, including journalist Amal Khalil, while another journalist, Zainab Faraj, was injured.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of a second French peacekeeper injured in an attack on UN forces. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the incident.
Talks scheduled in Washington between Israel and Lebanon are expected to include proposals to extend the ceasefire by one month, while Lebanon is preparing to push for a halt to Israeli strikes and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
