IRAN PERSPECTIVE

Iranian officials have hardened their position on the strait over recent days. Ali Nikzad, first deputy speaker of parliament, declared during a visit to Bandar Abbas that Israeli vessels would be 'permanently barred' and that 'hostile countries' would have to pay war reparations before being able to transit. 'Managing the Strait of Hormuz is akin to nationalizing the oil industry,' he said, referencing Mossadegh.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei described the strait as a 'strategic asset' and evoked a regional future 'without America,' emphasizing the importance of 'Iranian management of the strait.' Parliament speaker Ghalibaf mocked the idea of an effective US blockade: 'If you build two walls, one from New York to the West Coast and another from Los Angeles to the East Coast, the total length will still be 1,000 kilometers shorter than Iran's borders.'

Iran confirmed receiving the US response to its 14-point peace plan via Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei clarified the plan was 'focused on ending the war' and did not address nuclear negotiations. Tehran is reviewing Washington's response.