United States President Donald Trump said Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports has been effective, urging Tehran to “just give up” as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has rejected the claim, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf calling the US campaign ineffective, while the military said its restraint so far has been meant to allow diplomacy a chance, reports Al Jazeera.
The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is also shaking global markets, pushing oil prices above $120 a barrel and driving US petrol prices to a four-year high.
Here is what we know as the conflict enters day 62:
In Iran
Blockade ‘set to fail’: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said a US naval blockade on Iranian ports would worsen disruption in the Gulf while failing to meet its goals. He said such restrictions violate international law and are “doomed to fail”.
Speaker downplays oil impact: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no oil facilities have been destroyed under the blockade, arguing it has mainly pushed up global prices. He added storage remains available and accused US officials of relying on flawed advice.
Can output be halted?: The US believes cutting exports will eventually force Iran to stop production, but analysts say remaining storage may cover roughly 20 days. Experts expect any cuts to be gradual, with risks of escalation later.
No US role in strait: Ghalibaf said Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz would secure a future without US presence in the Gulf.
War diplomacy
Putin-Trump call: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Donald Trump against resuming attacks on Iran during a phone call, saying the extension of the ceasefire was the right move.
Stalled US-Iran talks: Disagreements persist over Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium stockpile, the blockade, frozen assets worth $20 billion, and Tehran’s demand for $270 billion in war reparations.
Global ripple effects: OPEC is said to be in crisis mode amid the energy shock and the UAE’s reported plan to exit. Trump is also considering troop cuts in Germany following tensions with Berlin.
US-Germany friction: Trump said Washington may reduce its troop presence in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to support the Iran war.
EU response: The European Union said US troop deployment in Europe serves Washington’s interests, noting rising defence spending among NATO allies.
In the Gulf
Iran criticises Bahrain move: Tehran condemned Bahrain for revoking citizenship of 69 individuals accused of backing Iranian attacks. Iran called the step discriminatory and politically motivated.
In the US
War cost nears $25bn: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the 60-day conflict has cost under $25 billion so far during a congressional exchange.
Plans for prolonged blockade: Trump has directed officials to prepare for an extended blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme, reports said.
Tough rhetoric from Trump: Trump said Iran must act quickly to secure a non-nuclear deal, warning that patience is running out.
Economic pressure mounts: The US said it seized nearly $500 million in Iranian crypto assets to tighten pressure, while critics warn the war’s cost is driving up fuel and food prices domestically.
