Iran has said a final peace agreement with the United States remains distant, as tensions escalated following the renewed closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.
Speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said late Saturday that while there had been some progress in negotiations, major disagreements persist.
“We are still far from the final discussion,” Mr Ghalibaf said, noting that “many gaps and some fundamental points remain.”
He warned that unless the blockade is lifted, maritime traffic through the strait would continue to be restricted.
“If America does not lift the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will definitely be limited,” he added.
The latest development comes amid ongoing mediation efforts after high-level talks in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough, with Tehran insisting the waterway will remain shut until Washington lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
Ceasefire pressure
The standoff comes as a two-week ceasefire linked to the broader Middle East conflict is set to expire on Wednesday, raising fears of renewed escalation.
US President Donald Trump said “very good conversations” were ongoing but cautioned Iran against attempting to pressure Washington.
“We have very good conversations going on… but we are taking a tough stand,” Mr Trump said, warning Tehran not to “blackmail” the United States.
Strait tensions escalate
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, had briefly reopened on Friday following a temporary ceasefire involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, Iran reversed the decision after the US maintained its blockade, triggering fresh uncertainty in global energy markets.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any vessel attempting to pass without authorisation “will be considered cooperation with the enemy” and could be targeted.
Reports indicated that only a handful of oil tankers crossed the strait during the brief reopening, with most vessels retreating as tensions rose.
Security incidents
Multiple security incidents were reported over the weekend, including gunfire directed at a tanker and damage to another vessel from an unidentified projectile.
The United Kingdom’s maritime security agency confirmed at least one vessel was hit, while India lodged a formal protest after a shooting incident involving two of its flagged ships.
In a separate report, a cruise ship was allegedly threatened by Iranian forces while attempting to leave the Gulf.
Iran’s stance
Iran’s leadership signalled readiness for further confrontation, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stating that the country’s navy “stands ready” to respond to US actions.
Tehran also rejected claims by Washington that it would hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium, describing such suggestions as not part of ongoing negotiations.
Regional fallout
The conflict, which began on 28 February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has expanded across the Middle East, drawing in regional actors and escalating tensions.
In Lebanon, a French UN peacekeeper was killed in an attack blamed by France on Hezbollah, an allegation the group denied.
Meanwhile, Israel reported the deaths of two of its soldiers in southern Lebanon since the start of a 10-day truce with Beirut on Friday.
Countries including Egypt and Pakistan continue mediation efforts, expressing cautious optimism about a possible agreement in the coming days.
However, key sticking points remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security arrangements.
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