The Strait of Hormuz remained closed on Sunday as tensions between Iran and the United States persisted, with both sides signalling that a final agreement remains distant despite ongoing negotiations.
Iranian officials said the key shipping route would not reopen unless Washington lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a central sticking point in the talks. The waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes, has become a focal point in the broader conflict.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, said there had been some progress in discussions but warned that major differences remained. In a televised address, he noted that negotiations were still far from reaching a final stage, with several unresolved issues between the two sides.
The latest developments follow high-level talks hosted in Pakistan that failed to produce a breakthrough. Mediation efforts are continuing, though uncertainty surrounds the future of a two-week ceasefire that is due to expire later this week.
Donald Trump said discussions with Tehran were ongoing and described them as constructive, but cautioned Iran against using the strategic waterway as a bargaining tool. He maintained that the US blockade would stay in place until a broader agreement is secured.
Iran had briefly announced that the strait would reopen after a ceasefire linked to fighting in Lebanon, which had raised hopes in global markets and led to a drop in oil prices. However, Tehran reversed that decision shortly afterward, citing the continuation of US restrictions on its ports.
Iranian leaders have taken a firm stance on the issue. Mojtaba Khamenei said the country’s naval forces were prepared to respond to any escalation, while officials warned that vessels attempting to pass through the strait without approval could face consequences.
Shipping activity in the area has slowed sharply. A small number of tankers were reported to have crossed during the brief reopening, but most vessels have since avoided the route. Maritime security agencies have also reported several incidents, including gunfire directed at a tanker and damage to another vessel from an unidentified projectile.
The situation has drawn international concern. India summoned Iran’s ambassador following reports involving Indian-flagged ships, highlighting the broader risks to global trade and energy supplies.
As negotiations continue, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm on key demands and the risk of further disruption to international shipping still present.
