Iran says reopening Strait of Hormuz ‘impossible’ if US blockade continues
We have paused our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle East. You can read more about the latest developments here.
Iran’s top negotiator says it is “not possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz” due to “blatant violations” of the US-Iran ceasefire
Those “violations” include the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and “warmongering” by Israel “on all fronts”, says Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Earlier, Iran seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, after Donald Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire. BBC Verify has located the attacks here
While extending the ceasefire, Trump also said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue – read his statement here
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says the US blockade of Iranian ports, “threats” and a “breach of commitments” are the “main obstacles” to negotiations” – the White House says Trump is “satisfied” with the naval blockade
Talks between the US and Iran were due to resume in Pakistan this week, but are yet to start
