Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains its “greatest instrument of power” and insists it will never retreat from its claim over the strategic waterway. Diplomatic efforts are underway in Doha. Follow the latest developments on the war in West Asia.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Doha. Iranian negotiators are also in the Qatari capital, although no direct talks between the two sides are planned.In fact, Tehran remains firm in its position on the next phase of negotiations. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that Iranian side will not enter talks on a final agreement until hostilities in Lebanon end, the US waives oil sanctions, and releases frozen Iranian funds.
He also emphasised that Iran would continue to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, calling it the country’s “greatest instrument of power” and rejecting US claims that Tehran had militarised the strategic waterway.
On the ground, tensions remain high. Israel said it killed another Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon, while Israeli media reported that the withdrawal of troops from the Zawthar and Froun pilot zones has been delayed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also visited southern Lebanon as the security situation along the border remained fragile.
Watch this space for the latest on the war in West Asia.
