• Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing US naval blockade.
• The US Navy is enforcing a blockade aimed at pressuring Iran economically.
• Iran has seized two vessels in the Strait amidst the tensions.
• Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled despite a US promise to extend the ceasefire.
• Oil prices are affected, reflecting the uncertainty in the region.

Iran has declared that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US maintains its naval blockade on Iranian ports. The Speaker of Iran's Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized that a full ceasefire is only meaningful if it is not undermined by such a blockade. He stated, "Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible amidst a blatant violation of the ceasefire," arguing that the US's military aggression will not yield the desired outcomes through intimidation or blockade tactics, according to India Times, Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have intensified their control over the strategic waterway, recently seizing two vessels, identified as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, which were accused of transgressing maritime regulations. The threat and seizure of these ships occurred despite a promise from the US to extend a ceasefire to allow for ongoing peace negotiations. This action has raised alarms in various sectors, particularly regarding global oil supply, as oil prices react to the escalating tensions with fluctuations, soaring initially before stabilizing, according to India Times, Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.

US President Donald Trump had previously indicated a desire to maintain the ceasefire to facilitate proposed Pakistan-mediated talks, which have continually faced delays. Despite Trump’s announcement regarding the ceasefire extension, Iranian officials have not confirmed participation in new negotiations, pointing to ongoing accusations from both sides regarding violations. As tensions remain high, the maritime operations continue to pose risks to international shipping within the region, potentially affecting energy markets worldwide, according to India Times, Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and The Jakarta Post.