Iran's chief negotiator in talks with the US said it is "not possible" for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened due to "the blatant violations of the ceasefire" by the US and Israel.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the "violations" include the US naval blockade of Iranian ports - which he said amounted to taking the global economy "hostage" - and "warmongering" by Israel "on all fronts".
Iran remains open to negotiations, said Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, but he added, "breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations".
It appeared early Tuesday that the US and Iran would hold new peace talks in Pakistan this week - but they have yet to begin.
On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced an extension to the US-Iran ceasefire that was due to expire on Wednesday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Trump's extension is open-ended, and has no new deadline. She added that Trump is "satisfied" with the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran, and "understands Iran is in a very weak position".
"The cards are in President Trump's hands right now," she said.
Asked by reporters when the war would end, Leavitt said that it's up to Trump to decide, "and he will do so when he feels it's in the best interests of the United States and the American people".
The Iranian negotiator's latest comment comes as clashes continue in the dangerous waterway and vital global shipping route, with Iran announcing that it had "seized" two ships in the strait.
On Wednesday morning, Iran said two cargo ships were taken in the Strait of Hormuz for "inspection". The announcement follows reports of attacks on three cargo ships in the strait.
(BBC News)
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