Iran tightens grip on Strait of Hormuz as US blocks ships and ceasefire talks stall
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz by seizing two commercial vessels, just as the United States pauses new strikes but keeps a naval blockade in place and peace talks remain in limbo. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was indefinitely suspending renewed military attacks on Iran and extending a shaky ceasefire so Washington could study an Iranian proposal to end the two month old conflict. However, Tehran has not confirmed any formal extension of the truce and has denounced the ongoing blockade of its maritime trade as an act of war. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a full ceasefire would only be possible if the U.S. lifted its naval blockade and allowed normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried around one […]