Iran Says It Will Not Allow US Control Over Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has accused the United States of trying to force open a new transit route through the Strait of Hormuz without consulting Tehran, saying the move violates the interim peace deal signed between the two countries in June. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the agreement gives Iran the right to set transit routes and mechanisms for the strategic waterway.

Overnight Calm Breaks Weeks Of Strikes

Iran reported no direct US attacks on major cities overnight into Saturday, marking the first break in nearly two weeks of continuous strikes. Iran’s health ministry spokesperson described the night as peaceful, while President Trump signaled he may no longer see large-scale strikes as necessary, saying Iranian officials are currently communicating with Washington.

Strait Control Remains Central Dispute

Iran maintains it has authority to oversee passage through Hormuz and requires vessels to follow designated routes, a claim the US disputes. Iranian forces have targeted ships accused of violating these rules, prompting the US military to reimpose its own blockade of Iranian ports, disabling vessels attempting to breach it.

Regional Conflict Continues To Widen

Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have separately disrupted shipping through the Bab al Mandeb strait, with Saudi Arabia reporting missile and drone attacks on Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu following coalition strikes on Hodeida.