Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Saturday that the country’s navy is “ready to inflict new bitter defeats” on its enemies. In a message marking the Iranian Army Day, he praised recent drone strikes targeting Israel and US-linked assets during the conflict. The remarks came as Iran tightened its position in the region following renewed friction with the United States over maritime access and sanctions.
Iran restores control, blocks Hormuz transit
Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state” under armed forces supervision. It announced continued restrictions on vessel movement, linking the decision directly to the ongoing US blockade on Iranian ports. The Strait, a key global oil route handling nearly 20 per cent of worldwide supply, had briefly reopened before the latest restrictions were reimposed on Saturday.
Trump says blockade to stay, rejects Iran ‘blackmail’
US President Donald Trump said the blockade on Iranian ports will remain “in full force” until Tehran agrees to a broader deal, including on its nuclear programme. The statement came hours before Iran’s renewed restrictions. A ceasefire between the two sides is set to expire by mid-next week, with Pakistan facilitating backchannel efforts to extend talks and prevent escalation.
“They got a little cute… they wanted to close up the strait again… they can’t blackmail us,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, asserting that the US would not be intimidated. His remarks come amid high-stakes negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions, with tensions rising over Tehran’s moves in the Strait of Hormuz.
Also read: Iran stops 14 India-bound ships passing Hormuz, 1 hit by bullets
Iranian forces stop 14 India-bound vessels
Sources concerned withthe developments informed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces stopped a convoy of 14 India-bound ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Two vessels were fired upon, including an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker that suffered damage and was forced to return. Of the 14 ships, 13 turned back or halted operations, while one tanker carrying crude for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited crossed successfully. The vessels included carriers of crude oil, LPG and fertilisers under Indian and foreign flags.
India summons envoy after firing on tankers
India summoned Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Fathali after two Indian-linked vessels came under fire near the Strait. The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed “deep concern” over the incident and stressed the need to ensure safe passage of merchant ships. The envoy met officials in New Delhi and assured that India’s concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran.
Iran reviewing US proposals, rejects uranium transfer
Iran is reviewing fresh US proposals conveyed through Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, according to reports. Tehran has said it will retain control over Hormuz traffic until an agreement is reached. Separately, Iranian officials rejected any transfer of enriched uranium abroad, calling it a “strategic red line” and reiterating that its nuclear programme will continue for civilian purposes.
The standoff has intensified days before the ceasefire deadline, with shipping disruptions and military posturing increasing across the region. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil passes, remains under restriction. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but no agreement has yet been reached to extend the truce or ease maritime tensions.
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