US Navy Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Denied by Iran, Negotiations Continue in Islamabad

Following a US claim of navigating the Strait of Hormuz, Iran denies the move and highlights ongoing negotiations with the US as a key element in de-escalating tensions.

Negotiations between US and Iranian delegations are taking place in Islamabad, with control of the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical obstacle. The United States military, via CENTCOM, asserted that two destroyers, the USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, had transited the strait to clear mines laid by the IRGC. Admiral Brad Cooper declared this a turning point in the US and Israeli operation against Iran, aiming to establish a safe passage for maritime commerce. However, Iran swiftly denied the US’s account, claiming the initiative for vessel movement rests with the Iranian Armed Forces and that a safe passage requires Iranian permission. The situation escalated following the initial US-Israeli attacks in February, which prompted Iran to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global fuel prices and shipping traffic. Despite the denials, US and Iranian delegations are engaged in high-level talks, including a historic face-to-face meeting led by Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. These talks, launched after a preliminary ceasefire, remain at odds over key issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the conditions for a lasting resolution. A spokesperson for the Iranian military emphasized that the US ships' movement could only occur with Iranian consent. Pakistan-based analyst Maria Sultan highlighted this dependency, stating that without Iranian approval, a free passage through the strait is impossible. The back-and-forth accusations underscore the ongoing tension and complexity surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the broader conflict between the US and Iran. DATA: * **Location of Negotiations:** Islamabad, Pakistan * **Key Sticking Point:** Control of the Strait of Hormuz * **US Action:** CENTCOM claims two destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to clear mines. * **Iranian Response:** Iran denies the US claim and asserts it controls access to the strait. * **Negotiations:** US and Iranian delegations are engaged in high-level talks as part of a ceasefire agreement. * **Participants:** US Delegation led by Vice President JD Vance; Iranian Delegation led by Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.