Iran closes Hormuz, rejects US nuclear stance

Iran has closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz again, escalating tensions with the United States. Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated Tehran is not prepared for further peace talks with the US as long as President Trump insists on his 'maximalist' stance regarding Iran's nuclear program. This move follows previous Iranian threats to close the waterway until the US lifts its naval blockade, and comes amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations that have stalled over nuclear demands. The closure of this critical global shipping chokepoint represents a significant escalation in the standoff between Washington and Tehran.