Strait talk turns straitjacket: Diplomacy stuck, ships struck, in Hormuz

The US-Iran standoff in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved just days before the ceasefire deadline, with tensions rising again after Iran rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that it had agreed to major concessions. Tehran announced it would tighten control over the waterway, citing US violations and “bogus victory claims.” The situation escalated after reports of gunfire forced Indian vessels to turn back, prompting a strong protest from New Delhi. Both sides are now on high alert, with uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will hold or lead to renewed conflict.