Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said that recent talks with the United States have made progress, although differences remain over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to “very good talks” with Tehran, despite warning against what he described as “blackmail” over the vital maritime shipping route.
Neither side provided detailed updates on the status of negotiations on Saturday, just days before the fragile ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is set to expire.
The war, now in its eighth week, has resulted in thousands of casualties and expanded to include Israeli strikes in Lebanon. It has also driven up oil prices due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil shipments passed before the conflict.
Shift in Iran’s Position on the Strait of Hormuz
Qalibaf told state media, referring to talks held earlier in the week: “We have made progress, but there is still a considerable gap between us… There are some points we insist on, and they also have red lines. However, these issues may be limited to one or two.”
Trump stated that the United States is engaged in “very good talks,” without providing further details.
On Saturday, Tehran reversed course, reasserted control over the strait, and once again closed the critical energy passage, increasing uncertainty surrounding the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iran said the closure was a response to the continued U.S. blockade of its ports, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran’s navy is ready to deliver “new painful defeats” to its enemies. Trump described the move as “blackmail,” even while praising the talks.
Iran had announced on Friday the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate 10-day ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon.
Trump defended the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and warned of “starting to drop bombs again” if a long-term agreement is not reached before the ceasefire expires on Wednesday.
Iranian state media reported that the country’s National Security Council stated that Tehran’s control over the strait includes requiring payment for services related to security, safety, and environmental protection.
Ships Report Incidents
Concerns persisted after at least two vessels reported coming under fire on Saturday while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Indian government said it summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi and expressed serious concern after two Indian-flagged ships were fired upon in the strait.
The U.S. Central Command stated that its forces are enforcing a naval blockade on Iran but did not comment on Iran’s latest actions.
The shift in Tehran’s position has increased the risk of continued disruption to oil and gas shipments through the strait, as Trump considers whether to extend the ceasefire.
Sources familiar with the talks said that during a meeting in Islamabad earlier in the week, the United States proposed suspending all Iranian nuclear activities for 20 years, while Iran suggested a suspension period of three to five years.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date has been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must first be agreed upon.
Trump had said on Friday that talks could take place early this week and that both sides are “very close to reaching an agreement.”
As of Saturday, there were no indications of preparations for new talks in Pakistan’s capital, where the highest-level U.S.-Iran negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution concluded earlier in the week without an agreement.
Senior national security advisers met at the White House on Saturday, after which Trump headed to his golf club accompanied by special envoy and negotiator Steve Witkoff.
Pressure is mounting to find a resolution to the war, as Republican politicians face tight congressional midterm elections in November amid rising gasoline prices, increasing inflation, and declining approval ratings for the president.
Oil prices fell by about 10% and global stocks rose on Friday on hopes that maritime navigation through the strait would resume. However, shipping industry sources reported that hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Reuters
