Iran has declared it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as United States naval restrictions remain in place, even as a ceasefire has been extended to allow room for peace negotiations.
Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the strategic shipping route cannot be reopened if the ceasefire continues to be undermined by maritime blockades. He stressed that any agreement would be meaningless if it is violated through continued naval enforcement measures.
“Ceasefire only holds value if it is not breached through restrictions. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible under such clear violations,” he said, while leading Iran’s delegation in preliminary talks held in Islamabad.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire period would be maintained to facilitate peace efforts brokered by Pakistan. However, Iran has only cautiously welcomed the initiative and has yet to confirm participation in the next round of negotiations.
The standoff has already begun to impact global markets, with oil prices continuing to rise amid fears of escalating conflict. While US stock markets have shown slight recovery, uncertainty remains high due to the strategic importance of the waterway, which is a key route for global energy supplies.
In a related development, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the seizure of two vessels accused of violating regulations in the strait. The ships were identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas.
Authorities in Panama confirmed the seizure of MSC Francesca, describing it as a serious threat to maritime security and an unnecessary escalation of tensions. Maritime security monitors also reported at least three commercial vessels encountering armed boats in the area, including one ship that was reportedly fired upon and sustained damage.
The move comes as the US Navy intensifies efforts to block vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, adding further economic pressure on Tehran. In response, Iran has imposed new rules requiring all ships to obtain permission before transiting through the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Lebanon despite a ceasefire between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah. Local media reported that five individuals were killed in an Israeli strike on Wednesday, including a journalist.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that another French soldier injured in an attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon has died. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold further talks in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, with Beirut expected to seek an extension of the ceasefire and demand a halt to ongoing attacks.
Experts warn that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for global energy supply chains. Continued instability may trigger further spikes in oil prices and affect the economic stability of regions heavily reliant on energy imports.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify among regional and international powers in a bid to prevent the conflict from escalating further, particularly given the fragile security landscape across West Asia.
