Iran's Position on Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire Violations
Iran's chief negotiator in discussions with the United States declared that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is "not possible" due to what he described as "the blatant violations of the ceasefire" by the US and Israel.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf identified these "violations" as including the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which he characterized as taking the global economy "hostage," alongside "warmongering" activities by Israel "on all fronts."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Iran's willingness to engage in negotiations but emphasized that "breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations."
Prospects for Peace Talks and US Delegation Status
Early indications on Tuesday suggested that the US and Iran might conduct new peace talks in Pakistan within the week; however, these discussions have yet to commence. Vice-President JD Vance, who was expected to lead the US delegation, remains in the United States.
On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire, originally set to expire on Wednesday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that this extension is open-ended with no new deadline. She further stated that Trump is "satisfied" with the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran and "understands Iran is in a very weak position."
"The cards are in President Trump's hands right now,"
Leavitt added when asked by reporters about the war's end, "it's up to Trump to decide, and he will do so when he feels it's in the best interests of the United States and the American people."
Recent Clashes and Ship Seizures in the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian negotiator's remarks come amid ongoing clashes in the strategic waterway and critical global shipping route, with Iran announcing it had "seized" two ships in the strait.
On Wednesday morning, Iran reported that two cargo ships were taken in the Strait of Hormuz for "inspection." This announcement followed reports of attacks on three cargo ships in the area.
One of the three container ships attacked, the Euphoria, appears to have dropped anchor near a port in the United Arab Emirates, according to MarineTraffic tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify.
The UAE-owned Euphoria was attacked eight nautical miles west of Iran, according to maritime security firm Vanguard. No damage to the ship or injuries to the crew were reported.
While Iran has not commented on the Euphoria, it has stated that it seized the other two vessels—MSC Francesca and Epaminondas—both of which reported damage resulting from the attacks.
The most recent broadcast positions of these vessels indicate neither has moved significantly since the attacks occurred.
MarineTraffic data shows that after the reported attack, Euphoria resumed sailing southwards, eventually anchoring approximately 13 nautical miles from the port of Khor Fakkan at around 14:00 BST.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis later confirmed that the Epaminondas, a Greek-owned ship, had been attacked.
"I can confirm that there was an attack against the Greek cargo ship, but I cannot confirm that this has been seized by the Iranians," Gerapetritis told CNN.
