The Digest:
Iran has vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as a US naval blockade remains in place, despite a ceasefire extension. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said: "A complete ceasefire only has meaning if it is not violated through a naval blockade." Iran's Revolutionary Guards also seized two ships attempting to cross the strategic waterway. Oil prices jumped four percent following the announcement before easing slightly.
Key Points:
- Iran seized a Panama-flagged container ship and a Liberia-flagged vessel.
- US Central Command said it has directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port.
- Oil prices spiked, with WTI reaching $96.73 per barrel.
- Trump claimed Iran halted execution plans for eight women, but Iran called it "false news."
- The standoff continues with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire breaches.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as US-Iran tensions persist despite ceasefire talks.
Sources: Vanguard News, Guardian
