Iran has said it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz to full international shipping unless the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date has been set for a new round of face-to-face negotiations with Washington, criticising the US for maintaining what he described as “maximalist” demands in the ongoing standoff.

On the other side, US President Donald Trump signalled no immediate shift in policy, stating that the naval blockade would remain in force until a deal is reached. He also warned that Washington would not be “blackmailed” by Tehran, underscoring the widening gap between the two sides.

Bangladesh faces acute energy crunch after Hormuz closure

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint, has long been a flashpoint in US-Iran relations, and any disruption threatens to impact global energy markets and maritime security.

Meanwhile, regional tensions have further intensified. Israel has launched fresh attacks on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, saying it has established what it calls a “yellow line” similar to its previous operational boundaries in Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron has blamed Hezbollah for an હુમে that killed a French peacekeeping soldier in Lebanon. However, the armed group has denied responsibility for the incident.

The latest developments highlight a deepening crisis across the region, with diplomatic efforts stalled and military actions continuing on multiple fronts.

For the latest casualty figures and updates, readers are advised to follow live trackers monitoring the situation across the Middle East.