Iran vows Hormuz Strait closure until U.S. honours interim deal

Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the United States complies with the terms of an interim agreement reached in June, according to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, in comments released by state media on Tuesday.

The threat represents a hardening of Iran's negotiating position and signals growing frustration with the slow pace of diplomatic progress on the nuclear accord. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, remains one of the world's most strategically important waterways, with roughly one-fifth of global petroleum passing through its narrow passage daily.

Qalibaf's comments suggest Iran is willing to use control of the strait as leverage to pressure Washington into meeting its side of the interim deal. The June agreement had been viewed as a potential stepping stone towards a broader resolution of long-standing disputes between the two nations.

The standoff underscores the fragility of negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with both sides pointing to alleged breaches by the other. Energy markets have closely monitored developments in the dispute, given the potential impact on global oil supplies and shipping routes through the Persian Gulf region.