Iran refuses to reopen Strait of Hormuz While US blockade remains in place
DNA
Tehran/Washington – Iran has firmly stated it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the United States maintains its naval blockade on Iranian ports and shipping, despite the ongoing ceasefire extension.Iranian officials described the US blockade as a “blatant violation” of ceasefire understandings, warning that reopening the critical waterway which handles nearly 20% of global oil trade is not possible under current conditions. The announcement comes after Iran seized two vessels in the strait earlier this week for alleged maritime violations.
In response, the White House accused Iran of acting like “maritime outlaws” after losing effective control of the strait, amid reports of continued naval tensions.US Navy Secretary John Phelan Fired
In a surprise move, US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has been fired from his position, with the departure effective immediately. The ousting is part of broader Pentagon shakeups during the ongoing crisis, though specific reasons linked to the Iran situation have not been officially detailed.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) chief has warned that the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz represents the “biggest” energy security threat in history. The crisis has triggered massive supply shortfalls, pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of long-term damage to global energy markets.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military reported intercepting a drone launched from southern Lebanon, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. No injuries were reported in the incident.In a separate development, a Trump envoy has suggested that Italy should replace Iran in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing Italy’s strong football pedigree.
The proposal has sparked discussion but has not yet received official backing from FIFA. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz continues to dominate regional tensions, with diplomats urging restraint to prevent further escalation and renewed conflict. Oil markets remain volatile as the world watches for any breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations.
