Iran’s top security body said on Saturday that it is examining “new proposals” from the United States. However, it made it clear that there will be no softening of its position in talks with Washington.
The Supreme National Security Council said that the proposals came through mediation efforts. It highlighted the role of Pakistan’s army chief, who visited Tehran recently.
“In recent days, with the presence of the commander of the Pakistani army in Tehran as an intermediary and mediator in the negotiations, new proposals have been put forward by the Americans, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently reviewing and has not yet responded to,” the Supreme National Security Council said in a statement.
At the same time, Iran stressed that its negotiators will not give in under any pressure.
It said the delegation “will not make even the slightest compromise, retreat or leniency, and will defend with all its strength the interests of the Iranian nation”.
Strait of Hormuz sees fresh escalation
Meanwhile, tensions increased again in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Iran shut the passage once more after briefly reopening it.
Security agencies reported that commercial vessels faced threats and even gunfire from Iran’s military while trying to cross the strait on Saturday.
Iran had earlier agreed to allow shipping during a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. However, it reversed that decision to protest against what it called a continuing US counter-blockade.
Tankers and ships come under fire
Several incidents at sea highlighted the rising risks. According to a UK maritime agency, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired at a tanker near Oman. The ship and its crew were reported safe.
The tanker was identified as the India-flagged Sanmar Herald. Its captain reported that two IRGC patrol boats approached without radio contact. “shots were fired, resulting in damage to the bridge windows”.
In another case, a Malta-flagged cruise ship, Mein Schiff 4, reported a nearby splash while sailing close to Oman. “The Master confirmed VHF (radio) traffic from IRGC units stating ‘we are carrying out operation, we will fire and destroy you,’”
However, no damage was reported in that incident.
A third report mentioned a container ship being hit by an unknown projectile. The strike damaged some containers, but there was no fire onboard.
Shipping traffic slows sharply
Ship movement in the strait dropped significantly as fears grew. Only a small number of oil and gas tankers managed to pass early on Saturday during the brief reopening. Data showed that at least eight vessels crossed before conditions worsened again.
Soon after, many ships turned back. Several crude oil tankers reversed course near Iran’s Larak Island, which acts as a checkpoint under the blockade. Four container ships linked to CMA CGM also made U-turns after beginning their exit from the Gulf.
Cruise ships, reportedly empty, also rushed to leave the region.
Key global route under pressure
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important trade routes. Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it during normal times.
However, traffic has almost stopped since the conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran restores strict control
Later on Saturday, Iran’s military signalled a tougher approach again. It said it would resume “strict management” of the strait due to ongoing US naval pressure.
The renewed closure has trapped hundreds of ships in the Gulf. It has also pushed up oil prices and increased shipping costs.
As a result, many ship captains are avoiding the region due to fears of attacks or sea mines.
Shipping industry issues warning
The global shipping industry reacted cautiously to the situation. Jakob Larsen, chief security officer of BIMCO, advised companies to stay away from the area.
“BIMCO believes shipping companies should consider avoiding the area,” he said, pointing to the risks from sea mines and ongoing conflict.