Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz and Rejects U.S. Negotiating Terms

The Government of Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and rejected United States demands to dictate the terms for ending current hostilities. While President Donald Trump claimed the two nations were engaged in deep talks, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied seeking direct negotiations, stating communication is occurring only through mediators.

Regional tensions escalated as Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed drones launched from Iraq that targeted Riyadh and oil facilities in the Eastern Province. Saudi officials attributed these attacks to Iran-backed groups, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to order an investigation into the use of Iraqi territory for such strikes. Simultaneously, Iran warned Ukraine and its Western backers of consequences following an alleged attack on an Iranian vessel.

At the United Nations Security Council, Bahrain's Permanent Representative Jamal Fares Alrowaiei condemned Iranian attacks against Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council states. Alrowaiei accused Iran of violating UN Resolution 2817 and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, stating that the closure of the shipping lane and support for proxy groups threaten international maritime routes.