Iran has accused the United States of escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz by attempting to establish new shipping routes without consulting Tehran, despite an interim agreement between the two countries.
_x000D_Speaking to Iranian media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the understanding reached between Tehran and Washington grants Iran the authority to oversee transit procedures and coordinate navigation through the strategically important waterway.
_x000D_ _x000D_Iran Says US Ignored Agreement
_x000D_Araghchi argued that Washington should have consulted Iranian authorities before introducing alternative maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
_x000D_According to him, both countries had agreed to maintain direct communication channels to resolve disputes peacefully, but recent US actions undermined those commitments and increased tensions in the region.
_x000D_Iran maintains that the existing memorandum gives it a central role in regulating shipping procedures through the vital trade corridor.
_x000D_ _x000D_First Quiet Night in Weeks
_x000D_Despite ongoing political tensions, Iranian officials reported that no new US strikes were carried out overnight into Saturday, marking the first such pause after nearly two weeks of military exchanges.
_x000D_Iranian health officials described the night as unusually calm, raising hopes that both sides may be moving toward reducing hostilities.
_x000D_The absence of overnight attacks has been viewed as a positive sign after weeks of escalating confrontation.
_x000D_ _x000D_Diplomatic Contacts Continue
_x000D_US President Donald Trump also struck a more measured tone, suggesting Washington remains open to negotiations with Tehran.
_x000D_Trump said Iranian officials continue to communicate with the United States through intermediaries and indicated he is prepared to listen if meaningful progress can be achieved.
_x000D_Iranian officials confirmed that proposals have been exchanged through mediators, although they acknowledged that significant differences remain between the two sides.
_x000D_Diplomatic sources say negotiations continue despite deep mistrust and unresolved disagreements.
_x000D_ _x000D_Strait of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint
_x000D_The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global energy exports.
_x000D_Iran insists vessels should coordinate with its authorities while using designated transit routes, whereas the United States rejects Tehran’s interpretation and maintains that international navigation must remain unrestricted.
_x000D_The disagreement has become one of the main issues complicating efforts to stabilise relations between the two countries.
_x000D_ _x000D_Regional Security Concerns Persist
_x000D_The broader regional conflict also continues to fuel instability.
_x000D_Military activity has expanded beyond the Gulf, with tensions affecting shipping routes in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
_x000D_Analysts believe diplomatic efforts remain the best opportunity to prevent further escalation, although both sides continue to maintain strong military positions while negotiations remain underway.