Iran Warns of War If U.S. Fails to Recognize Strait of Hormuz Control Amid Blockade
Key Takeaways
- Iran will return to war if Strait of Hormuz control is not recognised.
- Iran demands recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz in any deal.
- End of ceasefire must not extend the truce without Hormuz rights recognition.
Iran's Ceasefire Stance
Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission Spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei asserted that the expiration of the current ceasefire should not lead to its extension.
Rezaei warned that failure to recognize Iran's rights, including its control over the Strait of Hormuz, would lead to a return to war.
The U.S. announced a naval blockade of Iran's Gulf coastline.
Trump stated that people from Iran had contacted the United States, indicating Tehran wanted a deal.
The blockade began at 10 a.m. Eastern time Monday.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a forceful response to any hostile action.
Diplomatic Talks and Diverging Views
The U.S. and Iran held marathon talks in Islamabad from April 11-22, which collapsed.
Bloomberg reported the parties were considering the return to Islamabad for talks.
Vice President JD Vance said Washington offered Tehran a final and best offer.
Tehran said the parties had reached common ground on some points, but significant differences remain.
Axios reported that the main gaps focused on the nuclear issue.
Nuclear Program as Central Obstacle
At the heart of the impasse lies Iran's nuclear program.
“Skip to main content Updated Apr 13, 2026 - World "The door is not closed": Mediators rush to revive U”
The Trump administration has proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear enrichment.
Iran has pushed back with a much shorter window of five years.
The U.S. demands the dismantling of major facilities and the complete removal of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Putin put forward an offer to take custody of Iran's enriched uranium.
Iran floated diluting the uranium to reduce how quickly it could be weaponized.
Mediators and Regional Dynamics
A network of intermediaries including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman continues to shuttle messages between the two adversaries.
Pakistani officials said they are engaged with both parties to help revive the diplomatic process.
The Iranian presidency said President Masoud Bezhkian spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Israel's escalating attacks on Lebanon have threatened the possibility of a more lasting truce.
Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are set to meet in Washington.
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