Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18, and its subsequent reopening just a few hours later, Iran believes negotiations with the United States are making progress. This observation is shared by Donald Trump, who spoke of “very good conversations.”
As discussions for a peace agreement between Iran and the United States continue behind the scenes with the mediation of Pakistan and Egypt, the President of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Ghalibaf, gave an interview on state television. He stated, “We are still far from reaching a conclusion. We have made progress in the negotiations, but there are still many differences, and some fundamental points remain unresolved.”
Ghalibaf added, “The United States must make the decision to earn the trust of the Iranian people. They must abandon unilateralism and imposition in their approach to dialogue.” Ghalibaf was part of the Iranian delegation during negotiations in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 with the United States, led by Vice President JD Vance. Donald Trump also mentioned “very good conversations” towards a peace agreement.
However, the situation remains particularly tense around the Strait of Hormuz. Reopened by Iran on Friday, April 17, after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, this strategic passage for world trade where 20% of global oil consumption transits was closed again on Saturday, April 18. The Iranians justified this reversal by denouncing the continued blockade of Iranian ports by the United States.
On Sunday, April 19, tensions escalated further as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be “targeted” by Tehran. Several ships have reportedly faced gunfire and threats from Iranian forces while attempting to pass through the strait. Among them were two Indian-registered vessels, according to New Delhi, which is seeking explanations from the Iranian ambassador in India. “They are playing tough,” reacted Donald Trump, stating that there can be no “blackmail.”
[Context: The article provides updates on the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, as well as the tension surrounding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.] [Fact Check: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil transport, and any disruptions can have significant implications for the global economy.]
