Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, backs out of talks

Over the last 48 hours, Iran has closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. This move comes as the country has backed out of planned peace talks with the United States, which Washington had claimed would resume imminently. Iranian officials have accused the US of plotting a "surprise attack," escalating tensions in the region. The US has reportedly struck and seized an unspecified target, though details remain unclear.