Trump announces end of Iran naval blockade, says now making 'final determination' on deal

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Friday announced the end of the country's naval blockade of Iran.

He said in a social ‌media post that he would be meeting in the White House Situation ​Room to make ​a final decision on a ⁠deal with Iran.

He also listed ​what a potential deal would need ​to include: Iran agreeing not to develop a nuclear weapon, the reopening of ​the Strait of Hormuz, the ​removal of any sea mines, the lifting ‌of ⁠the US blockade on Iran and the removal and destruction by the US of Iran's highly ​enriched uranium.

"No ​money ⁠will be exchanged, until further notice. Other items, ​of far less importance, have ​been ⁠agreed to. I will be meeting now, in the Situation ⁠Room, ​to make a final ​determination," Trump posted on Truth Social.

A ​senior Iranian source told Reuters that a political understanding over the war had been reached but not yet finalised.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, citing ​sources, said there was a "mixture of truth and falsehood" in Trump's comments, which were an "attempt to portray a fabricated victory".

After the US lifts its blockade on Iranian ships, the strait would be reopened but under Tehran's arrangements, Fars said. There was no provision to destroy nuclear materials in the sides' Memorandum of Understanding, the agency said, though ​there was agreement to release $12 billion of Iran's frozen assets.

Meanwhile, Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi told his Omani counterpart that reaching a deal with the US to end the Middle East war depended on Washington dropping its "excessive demands", Tehran's foreign ministry.

"The Iranian minister of foreign affairs ... indicated that arriving at a final agreement depended on ending the American party's attitude based on excessive demands and shifting and contradictory positions," the ministry said in a summary of a call between the ministers.

Iranian action in Strait of Hormuz 'lawful and consistent with international law': UN envoy

Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said on Thursday the actions of the Islamic Republic in the Strait of Hormuz are "lawful and consistent with international law."

Iravani made the remarks on Thursday before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), high-level open debate titled “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System.”

He said that Iran "could not allow such a critical waterway to be used as a corridor for hostile actions and military aggression against its sovereignty, territory, and vital interests."

IRGC action shows Iran’s defensive strength: Gharibabadi

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ recent response to what he described as US “actions and mischiefs” demonstrated the full readiness of Iran’s Armed Forces, according to Iranian news agency IRNA.

Gharibabadi emphasided the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, adding, “The effort to bolster our defense will continue with determination because, now more than ever, we need strength and authority to stand firm against our enemies.”

Gharibabadi pointed to the military sector as a clear example of Iran’s strength, adding that national unity and cohesion are essential to reinforcing the country’s authority.

Referring to recent developments, the deputy foreign minister said the IRGC’s reaction to US actions illustrated the complete preparedness of Iran’s Armed Forces, warning that any continuation of such actions would be met with a proportional response.

He also highlighted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing Iran’s sovereignty over the waterway as critically important.

Iranian FM Spokesperson condemns US threats against Oman

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the threats by US officials against Oman, according to an X post from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the statement, "He considered the threat by the US Treasury Secretary to impose sanctions on Oman" an attempt to "blackmail an independent state and a member of the United Nations."

He viewed the attempt as "evidence of moral bankruptcy" of the systems and governance in the US, and the threat of sanctions was "a completely unlawful measure that contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law."