Iran says reopening Strait of Hormuz ‘impossible’ amid US blockade 

Plans for renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran remain uncertain, as Tehran accuses both Washington and Israel of violating the terms of the fragile ceasefire.

Iranian officials said recent developments have undermined confidence in the diplomatic process. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Tehran’s chief negotiator with the U.S., stated that it was “not possible” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under current conditions, citing alleged ceasefire breaches.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed those concerns, saying that U.S. naval actions, threats, and what he described as a “breach of commitments” were major obstacles to restarting talks.

The tensions follow an incident earlier on Wednesday in which Iranian forces targeted three cargo vessels in the Strait. Two ships were reportedly seized for inspection by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, further raising fears about the security of one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

Despite the escalation, Donald Trump indicated that a resumption of talks could still be possible, suggesting negotiations might restart as early as Friday.

Elsewhere in the region, diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said discussions are underway to extend the current ceasefire deadline.

However, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Aoun also condemned the killing of a second French peacekeeper after a United Nations patrol was struck over the weekend. Emmanuel Macron blamed the Iran-backed group Hezbollah for the attack, an allegation the group has denied.

Further violence was reported in southern Lebanon, where two people were killed in a strike on a vehicle. The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out the attack, claiming the vehicle posed a threat to its troops.