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Iran says it controls Strait of Hormuz as U.S. bombing pause holds

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Iran said Monday it remains in control of the Strait of Hormuz and is not seeking to resume peace talks with the United States, despite President Donald Trump’s decision to halt a two-week U.S. bombing campaign that had targeted Iranian military positions and infrastructure.

The pause follows 13 consecutive nights of escalating airstrikes and retaliatory attacks that left scores of people dead in Iran and claimed the lives of four U.S. service members stationed at bases in neighboring Gulf nations.

According to Reuters, Trump suspended the bombing campaign after senior military advisers concluded it had reached the limits of what it could accomplish. A U.S. official said commanders told the president they were running out of viable military targets and expressed concern over dwindling supplies of air defense weapons used to protect American bases in the region.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday the pause was intended to create an opportunity for negotiations. Iran, however, rejected suggestions that it had sought renewed talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had made no request to restart peace discussions with Washington.

Iran also sought to demonstrate that it continues to control access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. State media reported that six vessels attempting to transit the strait Monday were turned back after allegedly trying to use unauthorized routes. Iranian officials continue to insist that commercial traffic must follow channels designated by Tehran, while the United States has promoted an alternate route closer to Oman’s coastline.

The temporary halt in fighting eased concerns over global oil supplies, sending Brent crude prices down nearly 8% Monday after topping $100 per barrel last week during the height of the conflict.

The bombing campaign began after Iran fired on ships using the U.S.-backed shipping corridor through the strait. During the fighting, Iranian-backed Houthi forces also threatened to expand disruptions by targeting Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea.

Source: Reuters

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