Iranian officials have informed the state news agency FARS that if the US continues its maritime blockade of Iran, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.
Neptune P2P Group, a maritime security firm, is advising ships not to enter the Strait of Hormuz due to vessels being held on specific routes, despite Iran's claims that the strait is open. The firm warns of potential risks such as naval mines outside designated corridors.
In posts on Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz or use it as a weapon and is cooperating with the United States to clear mines in the Persian Gulf.
The cruise ship Celestyal Discovery has reportedly successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz.
German Chancellor Merz called on Iran to end its nuclear program, cease attacks on Israel and Gulf states, and ensure the reliable and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without compensation.
During Operation Roaring Lion, Israel eliminated all senior Islamic regime officials and IRGC generals. (Note: The article does not provide specific casualty numbers or locations.)
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, criticized the Islamic Republic officials for their "absolute silence" regarding negotiations with the United States following Abbas Araghchi's announcement about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency questioned why the details of the negotiations and recent developments are not transparent to the public if it is in the country's interest to keep them confidential.
Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported that Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. naval blockade continues, citing an official close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the naval blockade would persist until a comprehensive agreement is reached, while a senior Iranian official told Reuters that commercial ships, including American ones, can currently pass through the strait freely.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, demanded explanations from Islamic Republic officials regarding their silence following Abbas Araghchi's announcement about the liberation of passage in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent messages from former US President Donald Trump. The agency noted that Iranian society is confused by the lack of clear communication from officials on the matter.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) briefed military correspondents, warning the political leadership that Iran remains weak but could quickly rebuild its ballistic missile arsenal if not addressed in negotiations. The IDF emphasized the need to remove all enriched uranium from Iran and impose a permanent enrichment ban, estimating Iranian industrial damage at $100 billion with recovery expected to take years.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon at the request of U.S. President Trump, stating that plans to address remaining rocket and drone threats are in place but would not be elaborated upon.
The IDF released a summary of 40 days of operations against Iran, stating that all objectives were achieved, including the elimination of 28 senior commanders, destruction of roughly 250 air defense systems, and taking out 60% of ballistic missile launch platforms. Over 4,600 airstrikes were conducted in Tehran alone, striking more than 4,000 targets.
The Islamic regime of Iran has declared that it will reopen the Hormuz Strait only if the United States ends its naval blockade of Iran, contrary to claims by President Trump that the strait remains open. This announcement comes amid tensions tagged with #OperationEpicFury and #OperationLionsRoar.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany announced on Friday that Germany is prepared to participate in a mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. participation described as "desirable." Merz indicated that Germany could contribute to mine detection and clearance operations and stressed the importance of U.S. involvement in the mission.
The article from War Monitor states that attempts at regime change through warfare, exemplified by the Bush doctrine, have failed historically and continue to do so, suggesting the doctrine is no longer viable.
An informed source tells Iran Fars News that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on specific conditions and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The source warns that if the U.S. maritime blockade persists, it will be deemed a ceasefire violation, leading to the strait being closed again.
According to Iranian reports, the Strait of Hormuz is not freely open, and a source close to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf states that any reopening will be subject to three conditions: traffic diversion through Iranian territorial waters via Larak Island, limitation to commercial vessels only with Iranian approval and security tolls, and full coordination and oversight by the IRGC Navy.
The United Kingdom and France have announced an independent mission to protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a strictly peaceful and defensive operation to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance. Italy has also indicated it will provide naval units for the mission.
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz again and is removing sea mines with U.S. assistance, following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran that disrupted global financial and energy markets.
President Trump stated that Iran has agreed to cease all uranium enrichment and to maintain the Strait of Hormuz open indefinitely.
