Iran warns of Strait of Hormuz closure if US blockade persists despite ceasefire
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, just hours after announcing the strategic waterway's reopening following a ceasefire in Lebanon. This warning comes despite US President Donald Trump's optimism about a "very close" broader US-Iran peace deal and his claim that Tehran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium. Iran, however, denied this claim regarding its uranium stockpile. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that continued blockade would result in the Strait of Hormuz not remaining open, requiring Iranian authorization for passage. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called the naval blockade a "violation of the ceasefire" and warned of an appropriate response. US Central Command reported that US forces have directed 21 ships to turn around since the blockade began. Despite these tensions, Pakistani mediators are pushing for a final agreement to end the conflict. Trump indicated he might extend the ceasefire with Iran, set to expire on Wednesday, but affirmed the blockade would remain if a peace deal is not reached. The ceasefire in Lebanon and the reopening of the Strait had initially led to a drop in oil prices and a rise in stock markets, with the US also issuing a waiver for Russian oil sales to further soften prices. The ceasefire in Lebanon, which began on Friday, allowed displaced families to return home, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin N
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