Iran strikes ship, doubles down on closing Strait of Hormuz
A ship was hit by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, injuring a crew member and damaging the vessel’s engine room, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said.
The strike comes as Iran doubles down on its control of the strategic waterway. Iran’s top negotiator says the strait will remain closed until the U.S. lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, releases frozen Iranian assets and meets other conditions tied to the now-expired memorandum of understanding.
Trump explains his war exercises decision with South Korea
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Iran would now shift to a “fully offensive” position due to stalled diplomatic efforts.
No peace talks with Iran scheduled: Trump
President Donald Trump on Tuesday said there were no conversations taking place with Iran, and none were scheduled, adding that the Strait of Hormuz was open.
“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said in comments published by state media on Tuesday that the Strait would remain shut until the U.S. met the conditions of an interim deal signed with Iran in June.
These conditions include the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, releasing Tehran’s frozen assets, and ending threats and military operations on all fronts, Qalibaf told parliament.
Trump says no timeline for Iran deal
President Donald Trump said Monday he is not putting a timeline on reaching a new agreement with Iran, even as his administration continues backchannel discussions with Iranian officials.
Trump confirmed U.S. negotiators are communicating with leaders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a claim Tehran denies. Jared Kushner says the conversations have been “quite positive,” but acknowledged the two sides still have a long way to go.
