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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned Saturday that Tehran’s navy is prepared to defeat U.S. and Israeli forces amid rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei stated via posts on X that just as Iranian drones swiftly strike U.S. and Zionist targets, their navy is ready to deliver significant defeats to these enemies.
Iran announced it is tightening its control over the strait, signaling that the vital energy corridor has been shut again. Shipping sources reported that at least two vessels were fired upon while trying to pass through. The Iranian leader emphasized that their military is standing shoulder to shoulder with allied forces in confronting what he referred to as “the armies of disbelief and Arrogance,” asserting that Iran has exposed their weaknesses and humiliation on the global stage. Khamenei added, “The Islamic Army is now courageously defending our land, water, and flag.”
This renewed tough stance has introduced new uncertainties regarding the Iran conflict, with concerns that oil and gas shipments might remain halted just as the U.S. considers whether to prolong the fragile ceasefire. President Trump mentioned that the U.S. is engaged in “very good conversations” with Iran but accused Tehran of trying to blockade the strait again. He also reiterated that Iran cannot blackmail the U.S.
Shipping sources indicated that some vessels received radio communications from Iran’s navy, informing them they are prohibited from passing, reversing earlier signals suggesting movement could resume. Earlier, a convoy of eight tankers transited the Strait, marking the first significant shipping movement since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran intensified seven weeks earlier.
Trump briefly referenced “some pretty good news” about Iran earlier in the day, without providing details, and warned that fighting might restart if a peace deal isn’t reached before the upcoming Wednesday expiration of the current ceasefire.
Iran had temporarily reopened the strait after Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah joined the conflict in southern Lebanon in March, following an U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, on Saturday, Iran’s armed forces claimed control over the strait once again, citing repeated U.S. violations and acts of “piracy” under the guise of a blockade. They stated that initial negotiations led to a limited passage of certain oil and commercial vessels, but ongoing U.S. actions have compelled Iran to tighten its control.
The U.S. Central Command said it was enforcing a maritime blockade but didn’t comment on Iran’s latest measures. The conflict, which started with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties and has driven up global oil prices, thanks to the shutdown of the vital waterway.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh noted that no date has been set for the next round of negotiations, emphasizing the need to first agree on a framework. Political pressures are mounting ahead of the November elections, with concerns over rising gas prices, inflation, and declining approval ratings weighing on U.S. policymakers. Trump underscored that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains their top priority, indicating that unless a long-term deal is reached by Wednesday, the ceasefire could end, and U.S. sanctions and blockades might continue.
There is little indication early Saturday of planned talks in Pakistan, where recent negotiations ended without agreement. A source involved in mediation suggested that a preliminary understanding might be achieved soon, with a full peace agreement potentially within two months. Iran also expressed hope of reaching an initial accord shortly.
Following optimistic market reactions last Friday, with oil prices dropping roughly 10% and stocks rising globally, hundreds of ships and about 20,000 sailors remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting passage. During recent discussions, the U.S. offered Iran a 20-year suspension of nuclear activities, while Iran proposed a three- to five-year halt. Some sources suggested that a compromise allowing for partial removal of enriched uranium might be possible.
Russia’s nuclear agency, Rosatom, announced it’s prepared to assist with removing Iran’s enriched uranium and is monitoring the ongoing negotiations closely.
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