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Iran said talks with the US have seen progress but major gaps remain over nuclear limits and control of the Strait of Hormuz, even as Tehran hardened its stance on the waterway.
Ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Musandam, Oman (Photo: Reuters)
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said discussions with the United States have produced some forward movement, though major differences persist over nuclear restrictions and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
“We have had progress, but there is still a big distance between us,” Qalibaf told state media, referring to negotiations held last weekend.
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He added that both sides continue to hold firm positions on key issues, saying, “There are some issues on which we insist. They also have red lines. But these issues could be just one or two.”
US President Donald Trump also struck an optimistic tone, saying Washington was having “very good conversations” with Tehran, though he warned against what he described as attempts at “blackmail” linked to developments around the strategic waterway.
The negotiations come as a fragile ceasefire linked to the US-Israeli war with Iran approaches its expiry date on Wednesday, raising concerns that the conflict could intensify if a long-term agreement is not reached.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ TENSIONS RESURFACE AMID BLOCKADE DISPUTE
Even as diplomatic engagement continues, tensions escalated after Iran moved to reassert its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically flows.
Iran said the move was in response to the continued US maritime blockade of its ports, which Tehran described as a breach of the ceasefire framework.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the Iranian navy stood ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its adversaries, underscoring Tehran’s willingness to maintain pressure over the shipping route.
According to AP, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned vessels not to approach the strait, stating that any attempt to move toward the waterway would be seen as cooperation with hostile forces.
The statement said the strait would remain closed until the US lifts the blockade, signalling a hardening of Iran’s stance just a day after authorities had indicated commercial transit could resume.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the country intends to maintain oversight of traffic through the strait, including requirements linked to designated routes, transit certificates and payment of security-related costs.
MARITIME INCIDENTS HEIGHTEN GLOBAL CONCERNS
Security risks in the region intensified after vessels reported hostile incidents while attempting to navigate the strait.
At least two ships came under fire, including India-flagged vessels, prompting New Delhi to summon the Iranian ambassador and convey its concerns over the safety of commercial shipping.
AP cited the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre as saying Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on a tanker, while a container vessel was hit by a projectile that damaged cargo containers.
The developments have raised alarm across the global shipping industry, with maritime sources indicating that hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers remain stranded in Gulf waters awaiting clarity on safe passage through the strait.
NUCLEAR TALKS FACE KEY STICKING POINTS
Differences over Iran’s nuclear programme remain a central obstacle in negotiations.
Reuters reported that Washington has proposed a 20-year suspension of Iranian nuclear activity, while Tehran has put forward a shorter pause of three to five years.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said further discussions would require agreement on a broader framework, adding that no timeline has been set for the next round of talks.
AP reported that Khatibzadeh rejected suggestions that Iran would transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States, calling the idea “a nonstarter” and indicating Tehran’s unwillingness to compromise on key elements of its nuclear capabilities.
CEASEFIRE DEADLINE ADDS URGENCY TO DIPLOMACY
With the ceasefire set to expire in the coming days, pressure is mounting on both sides to reach a durable agreement that could prevent renewed military escalation.
Trump warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to renewed military action, saying the US could consider “dropping bombs again” if necessary.
At the same time, he reiterated that discussions remain constructive, describing them as “very good.”
Meanwhile, markets have reacted sharply to developments linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that oil prices dropped about 10 per cent after earlier signals that the waterway could reopen, reflecting investor sensitivity to any potential disruption in global energy flows.
As negotiations continue, the Strait of Hormuz remains a central bargaining tool in the broader geopolitical standoff, with both Washington and Tehran seeking leverage ahead of the ceasefire deadline that could determine the trajectory of the conflict.
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April 19, 2026, 08:07 IST
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