While the possibility of upcoming discussions lingered, Iran did not immediately confirm these talks, leaving ships stranded at a crucial maritime passage. This standstill results from Iranian threats and a U.S. blockade targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
On Sunday, Iranian officials reiterated their willingness for dialogue but remained adamant that ships would not traverse the strait as long as the U.S. blockade persisted.
Reopening hopes sink as ships come under fire
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that Revolutionary Guard gunboats had fired upon a tanker, and a projectile struck a container ship, causing damage to some of its cargo.
In response to this “serious incident” involving gunfire on two Indian-flagged merchant ships, India’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador for explanations, especially since Iran had previously allowed several India-bound ships to pass.
“The Americans are jeopardizing the international community and global economy with their miscalculations,” said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh in an interview with The Associated Press, warning that the U.S. actions threaten the entire ceasefire agreement.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council released a statement condemning the blockade as a breach of the ceasefire, vowing to block any “conditional and limited reopening” of the strait. This council has recently assumed the role of Iran’s primary decision-making authority.
Since most supplies to US military bases in the Gulf region come through the strait, “Iran is determined to maintain oversight and control more than traffic through the strait until the war fully ends,” the council said. That means Iran-designated routes, payment of fees and issuance of transit certificates.
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