Iran says Strait of Hormuz cannot be re

Key Points:

• Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened due to US and Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and Israeli "warmongering."
• Despite ongoing tensions, Iran remains open to negotiations, but President Masoud Pezeshkian cited breaches of commitments, blockades, and threats as major obstacles to genuine talks.
• Iran announced it seized two cargo ships, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, in the Strait of Hormuz for "inspection," accusing them of unauthorized operations and tampering with navigation systems amid recent attacks on vessels in the waterway.
• The US extended its ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, maintaining the naval blockade, with White House officials emphasizing that President Trump holds the decision-making power on ending the conflict.
• Recent US Defense Department leadership changes and the absence of a set timeline for renewed negotiations or military action suggest a strategic approach by the Trump administration to maintain pressure on Iran while avoiding full-scale conflict.