The Strait of Hormuz remains closed by Iran's decree as long as a US naval blockade continues, despite an extended ceasefire in the region. Iran announced the seizure of two vessels—Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas—in the strategic waterway, with the Revolutionary Guards stating the ships were "violating" maritime rules. The US Central Command confirmed it had directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of its blockade on Iran, aimed at increasing economic pressure. Oil prices surged Thursday, with West Texas Intermediate rising to $96.73 per barrel and Brent crude reaching $105.63, before slightly retreating. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, leading Tehran's delegation in Pakistan-brokered talks, said reopening the strait was impossible while the US blockade persisted, calling it a violation of the ceasefire. The Panama foreign ministry condemned the seizure of MSC Francesca as a "serious attack on maritime security." UK maritime monitors reported three incidents in the strait, including a container ship damaged by gunfire from a Revolutionary Guards boat, though no casualties were recorded. President Donald Trump said he extended the truce to allow Iran's leadership time to propose terms, claiming Iran halted plans to execute eight women arrested during anti-government protests. Iran's judiciary dismissed Trump's claim as "false news," stating the women were never sentenced to death. Trump also said talks could resume in Pakistan within days, though Iran has not confirmed participation and Vice President JD Vance postponed travel. Israeli strikes killed five people in Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Lebanese media. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of a second French soldier wounded in a Hezbollah-linked ambush on UN peacekeepers.
Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut due to a US blockade, yet it has seized foreign vessels and imposed its own restrictions on passage—undermining its claim to uphold free navigation. The seizure of the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas shows Iran is enforcing a chokehold similar to what it condemns. While oil prices react to the tension, global trade routes remain at the mercy of retaliatory posturing. The irony is clear: Tehran denounces a blockade while replicating one.
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