GENEVA (AP) — Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live fire drills as its negotiators held another round of indirect talks with the United States over the Islamic Republic’s disputed nuclear program.
It was the first time Iran has announced the closure of the key international waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, since the U.S. Began threatening Iran and rushing military assets to the region. It was not immediately clear if the strait had been closed, but such a rare move could escalate tensions.
As the talks began, Iranian state media announced that Iranian forces had fired live missiles toward the strait and would close it for several hours for “safety and maritime concerns.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that “the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot secure back on its feet.”
Iranian diplomat sees ‘new window’ in talks
Iran’s foreign minister expressed optimism about the talks, saying “a new window has opened” for reaching an agreement. “We are hopeful that negotiations will lead to a sustainable and negotiated solution which can serve the interests of relevant parties and the broader region,” Abbas Araghchi told a U.N. Disarmament conference.
President Donald Trump said he would be involved in the negotiations, at least indirectly. He added that Iran “remains fully prepared to defend itself against any threat or act of aggression,” and that the consequences of any attack on Iran would not be confined to its borders.
Trump, who scrapped an earlier nuclear agreement with Iran, has repeatedly threatened to employ force to compel Iran to constrain its nuclear program. Iran has said it would respond with an attack of its own.
Negotiators say talks made progress
Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, led the U.S. Delegation at the latest indirect talks, held in Geneva. Oman hosted an earlier round on Feb. 6. There was progress in the talks, but many details remained to be discussed, according to a U.S. Official. The Iranian delegation said they would present more detailed proposals in the next two weeks, the official said.
Araghchi also met with Director-General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday in Geneva, discussing the agency’s role in achieving an agreement.
The U.S. Is also hosting talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A live fire drill
Iran said its Revolutionary Guard started a drill early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Oil prices fell after the talks concluded, with US oil down 1.3% at $62.06 per barrel and international benchmark Brent crude off 2.3% at $67.03 per barrel.
Khamenei warned the U.S. Against “forcing the result of talks in advance,” stating, “Of course a warship is a dangerous apparatus, but more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink the warship.”
US increases military presence
Last week, Trump said the USS Gerald R. Ford was being sent to the Mideast, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying destroyers, which have been in the region for three weeks. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort are now in the mid-Atlantic.
U.S. Forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day last week that Iran tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab nations have warned any attack could spiral into another regional conflict.
The Trump administration is seeking a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program. Iran says it is not pursuing weapons and has resisted demands to halt uranium enrichment. The U.S. And Iran were in talks when Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran in June, halting negotiations. The U.S. Bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war, and before the war, Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a key international waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil passes.
Who led the U.S. Delegation in the talks?
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the U.S. Delegation at the latest indirect talks.
What did Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warn?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that “the strongest army in the world might sometimes receive such a slap that it cannot get back on its feet.”
Given the current tensions and ongoing negotiations, what impact might a breakdown in talks have on regional stability?
