Iran signals intent to keep Hormuz control

Iran has communicated to diplomatic intermediaries that it still seeks to maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. This message reinforces Tehran's consistent public stance on asserting sovereignty over the vital waterway, which it has blockaded for weeks. The report suggests Iran is using backchannels to signal its core strategic demands amid ongoing tensions with the United States. The communication comes as the US has declared it cannot accept Iran normalizing its control over the strait, setting the stage for a continued diplomatic and military standoff.