Hormuz Strait to remain closed until US honors interim deal, says Iran's Qalibaf

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under closure until the United States fulfills the terms of the interim agreement. According to Reuters, Qalibaf reiterated Iran's demand for the US to lift its maritime blockade, sanctions, and release Iranian assets held overseas.

The Iranian parliament speaker's comments come as Tehran engages in separate talks with Oman, aiming to resolve the strait's issues, which they claim are progressing towards a resolution. Qalibaf stressed that these discussions are distinct from the ongoing negotiations with the US. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to intensify the blockade against Iran, warning of a crippling economic siege, demanding Tehran to meet US demands.

Earlier today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi attributed Israel as the primary barrier to implementing the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, stating that the US began violating the agreement less than two weeks after its signing.