Iran warns US as tensions rise again over Strait of Hormuz

Tensions are flaring once more in the Middle East over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important maritime trade route, with Iran and the United States again locked in a standoff. Germany has called for the strategic passage to be reopened immediately and unconditionally to protect commercial shipping, but Iran has made clear that tensions will not ease until the US lifts its naval blockade and pays compensation for damages caused.

Germany appeals for peace, Iran sets conditions

To try and resolve the dispute, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. Germany said that, for the sake of global maritime trade and the safety of ships, the Hormuz route should be restored immediately and without any preconditions.

Iran, however, has insisted that peace along the route is only possible once the US halts its military actions and the naval blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran has warned that if the strategic waterway is shut down, the resulting global economic crisis will be the sole responsibility of the United States.

Close to a deal with Oman, but wants "compensation" from the US

Iran's foreign ministry said an agreement with neighbouring Oman to regulate shipping movement through the Hormuz route is close to being finalised. However, Iran has placed an additional condition on the US before the route can be reopened — demanding compensation for what it says are past violations of agreements by Washington.

Iran's parliament approves new strategic plan

Amid the tensions, Iran has also moved to strengthen its internal strategy. Iran's parliament has unanimously approved a special strategic proposal aimed at securing and developing the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, with the goal of consolidating the country's regional position and countering American pressure.

"America is addicted to sanctions" — Iran

Responding to US economic pressure, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei launched a sharp attack on Washington, saying that whenever diplomacy fails, the US resorts to sanctions — a dangerous habit, he said, that has eroded its capacity for rational thinking. The remarks came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that American sanctions were "strangling" Iran, and that Washington would dismantle Iran's illicit financial network, which he said operates through digital currency and shadow banking.