Donald Trump earlier vowed to maintain the blockade of Iranian ports until a peace deal is reached
Iran “got a little cute” by re-imposing its naval blockade on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump has said. A senior Iranian general has insisted that weeks of US and Israeli bombings have failed to destroy the Islamic Republic’s missile production capability.
On Friday, Tehran initially declared the waterway completely open for commercial vessels for the remaining period of the ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, prompting a drop in oil prices on hopes of de-escalation.
However, while Trump praised the news, he said that the US blockade of Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until a peace deal is reached, prompting Tehran to again close off the corridor.
According to multiple media reports, the US has presented several demands to Iran, including the handing over of its enriched uranium stockpile. While Trump claimed that Tehran had “agreed to everything,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that the Islamic Republic would not give up the stockpile, which he described as “as sacred as Iranian soil.”
Key developments:
Trump has suggested that he would not extend the ceasefire with Iran and could resume attacks if the peace talks do not produce the desired result by Wednesday.
One French peacekeeper has been killed, and three others injured in southern Lebanon, President Emmanuel Macron has said, adding that Hezbollah was the most likely culprit. Hezbollah has denied involvement.
At least three commercial ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one sustaining some damage, according to Axios.
India has summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi to raise concerns about attacks on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and to urge Tehran to let friendly ships through.
Hezbollah said it is “not concerned” with Lebanon’s talks with the US, suggesting that Beirut is set to cave in to Washington’s demands. Israel insists the current truce does not apply to “immediate threats from terrorists.”
Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates. You can also read our previous updates here.
