Iran Blames US Blockade for Stalled Talks, Oil Security Under Strain
Rabat – Iran and the US remain at odds over stalled peace negotiations. Senior Iranian officials have blamed Washington for the lack of progress in talks, pointing to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a key obstacle.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is open to diplomacy but accused the US of undermining efforts. “We want dialogue and agreement,” he said, adding that “breach of commitments, blockade, and threats are the main obstacles to genuine negotiations.”
The situation escalated further in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had seized two foreign vessels and opened fire on a third for violating maritime regulations. The US military, meanwhile, said it had turned back dozens of ships as part of a large-scale blockade involving thousands of personnel, warships, and aircraft.
Despite the tensions, US President Donald Trump has extended a temporary ceasefire with Iran, though no clear deadline has been set for a final agreement. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. Talks held in Islamabad earlier this month failed to produce a breakthrough, but officials say further discussions may still take place.
Violence has continued in the region despite existing ceasefire agreements. An Israeli air strike killed journalist Amal Khalil in southern Lebanon, drawing strong condemnation from Lebanese authorities. Officials described the attack as a violation of international norms and accused Israel of deliberately targeting media workers. Israel has denied targeting journalists.
Israeli attacks have also continued in Gaza. At least five Palestinians, including three children, were reported killed in recent strikes. Local officials say daily ceasefire violations and ongoing restrictions are worsening humanitarian conditions, with limited access to medical care and basic services.
Regional tensions are also affecting global energy markets. Head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, warned that the world is facing a major energy security threat, with millions of barrels of oil supply disrupted due to the war and uncertainty around shipping routes.
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