Iran blames US for stalled negotiations

As the US-Iran ceasefire was unilaterally extended on Washington's terms and clashes continue to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed the United States for the latest stalemate in negotiations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always welcomed and continues to welcome dialogue and agreement," said Pezeshkian in a post on X on Wednesday. "Bad faith, siege, and threats are the main obstacles to genuine negotiation. The world is witnessing your hypocritical, empty talk and the contradiction between your claims and your actions."

US President Donald Trump said on social media on Thursday that he had ordered the US Navy to "shoot and kill" small Iranian boats laying mines.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the White House pointed to a lack of unified response from the Iranian side, saying US President Donald Trump will "ultimately dictate" when the extension to the ceasefire with Iran will end. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there is "a lot of different messaging and rhetoric", adding that the US maintains control over Tehran.

Iran's parliament and Supreme National Security Council are jointly reviewing proposals to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Mehr News agency reported.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said a complete ceasefire "only makes sense" if maritime blockade pressures are lifted, adding that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible under current conditions.

He said military aggression and "bullying" will not achieve their goals, and called for recognition of Iran's rights.

On Wednesday, Iranian state media published footage of the IRGC navy seizing a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said it seized two foreign vessels for violating shipping restrictions.

Haji Babaei, Iran's deputy parliament speaker, said toll revenue from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has been deposited into Iran's Central Bank.

The US Central Command said US forces have directed 31 vessels to turn back or return to port under its blockade, with most complying.

The Washington Post reported that clearing the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-laid mines could take up to six months, potentially keeping oil prices high.

International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said global oil supply had fallen by around 13 million barrels per day amid the conflict.