Strait of Hormuz closed again as Iran and US remain far from final deal
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Strait of Hormuz was closed again on Sunday amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, stated that while there has been "progress" in negotiations, a final deal remains "far" off due to "many gaps and some fundamental points." Iran insists the crucial maritime chokepoint will not reopen until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump acknowledged "very good conversations" but warned Iran against trying to "blackmail" the United States. The Strait of Hormuz had briefly reopened on Friday following a temporary ceasefire in the conflict involving Israel and Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, leading to a drop in oil prices. However, Tehran reversed its decision after Trump reiterated that the US blockade would continue until a final agreement. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strait without permission would be "targeted." Tracking data showed few vessels crossing the waterway by late Sunday afternoon. Incidents reported include the Revolutionary Guards firing at a tanker, threatening an empty cruise ship, and a vessel being hit by an unknown projectile. India's foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest a "shooting incident" involving two Indian-flagged ships. On the diplomatic front, Egypt expressed optimism for a final agreement "in the coming days." A major sticking point is Iran's stockpile of
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