By Staff Reporter
TEHRAN — Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June deal, escalating tensions as American military forces move into the region.
Iran’s top negotiator said Tehran would no longer accept what he described as US attempts to delay negotiations or impose demands.
“The era of wasting time and dictating demands is over,” the negotiator said, insisting that Washington must fulfil the seven conditions agreed in the June Islamabad deal.
The development comes as the United States strengthens its military presence in the Middle East, with American aircraft carriers heading towards the region to reinforce US Central Command.
US President Donald Trump has also signalled that Washington is preparing to make a decision on Iran, saying the conflict could end through “the easy way” or “the hard way”.
Meanwhile, fighting is intensifying elsewhere in the region.
Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched air attacks on Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, while renewed fighting has forced more civilians from their homes.
Tensions have also risen along vital maritime routes. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that another crude oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman, marking the third reported ship attack in the area in two days.
The developments have heightened fears of a wider regional escalation, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the centre of concerns over the security of global energy supplies.
