Iran Asserts Sole Control Over Strait of Hormuz Ahead of Crucial US Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran holds exclusive authority over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that no other country or international body has jurisdiction over maritime traffic in this strategic passage. This statement came just hours before a critical round of negotiations between Iranian and US delegations in Qatar, aimed at salvaging a fragile interim peace agreement between the two nations.

The talks follow a recent escalation of military tensions in the Gulf, including an Iranian projectile striking a cargo ship in the Strait and retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Both sides accuse each other of violating the temporary ceasefire established earlier. US President Donald Trump confirmed the upcoming meetings on social media and announced the deployment of special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to participate alongside technical discussions.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that as part of the agreement, $6 billion of frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar will soon be released, describing the deal as a "great victory for the Iranian people." Iranian officials indicated that the funds would be transferred in two installments. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the security situation remains highly volatile, with both Tehran and Washington issuing stern warnings and threats.

The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, reiterated the US commitment to the ceasefire while warning that any violence will be met with force. The upcoming talks in Qatar represent a last-ditch effort to prevent the collapse of the tenuous peace framework amid rising hostilities in the region.