Iran and the United States continue to exchange warnings even as diplomatic channels remain active through Pakistan-mediated talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Tehran were on the borderline between a breakthrough and renewed military action, while Iranian officials confirmed they were reviewing a fresh US proposal. Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, release of frozen assets and an end to the American blockade on Iranian ports as part of any agreement.
Iran Imposes New Maritime Rules in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state media reported that all vessels planning to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will receive official instructions and regulations through the Persian Gulf Strait Authority's new system. Ships must obtain transit clearance before entering the waterway. Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority said ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz must now obtain official permits and comply with regulations issued under Tehran's new maritime governance system. The move comes amid continuing tensions with the US over control of the strategic waterway.
Iran Defines Supervision Zone
Iran's newly launched Persian Gulf Strait Authority has defined the boundaries of its Strait of Hormuz supervision area, stretching between coastal points in Iran and the UAE. The authority said vessels passing through the zone would require coordination and permits under the new framework. The latest Iranian measures come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The US has demanded a complete halt to Iran's nuclear programme, while Tehran continues insisting on maintaining control linked to its energy security interests.
Military Mobilization Inside Iran
The military mobilisation campaign comes as Iranians face worsening economic conditions, including layoffs, business closures and rising prices for food and medicine during the prolonged regional crisis. Iran has stepped up public weapons displays and firearms training in Tehran as tensions with the US continue over stalled negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Revolutionary Guard-linked events now regularly feature Kalashnikov-style rifles and military demonstrations in public spaces. Iranian officials claim more than 30 million people have volunteered to defend the country through the Janfada campaign, though there has been no independent confirmation of the figure. State media has intensified messaging encouraging support for the government amid fears of renewed conflict.
US Warns of Severe Military Consequences
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller warned Iran that it must agree to terms acceptable to the United States or face severe military consequences. Speaking to Fox News, Miller said Iran's leadership had a clear choice: They can either agree to a piece of paper that is satisfactory to the United States, or they can face a punishment from our military, the likes of which has not been seen in modern history. The remarks come as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
Oil Markets Volatile Amid Supply Fears
Oil prices rose on Thursday after a two-day decline as concerns over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran continued to support the market. Brent crude futures climbed 0.77 per cent to $105.83 per barrel, while US WTI crude gained 0.99 per cent to $99.23 by 00:55 GMT. Markets remained cautious over uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire situation and concerns about tightening global supplies after a fall in US crude inventories.
Tensions between Iran and the United States remain high as diplomatic efforts continue alongside fresh military threats and regional security concerns. Iran said it is reviewing a new US proposal aimed at ending the conflict, while President Donald Trump warned talks were on the borderline between a deal and renewed strikes. Tehran has reiterated demands for sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian funds and an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports. Pakistan-mediated negotiations remain ongoing, with Iranian officials saying diplomacy is continuing even as the Revolutionary Guards warned that any new conflict would spread beyond the Middle East. The war atmosphere has intensified inside Iran, where public weapons training sessions, military parades and mobilisation campaigns have expanded across Tehran amid fears of renewed fighting. Meanwhile, oil prices remain volatile as uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continues to raise fears over global energy supplies, shipping disruptions and wider economic fallout.
