Iran said it remains in control of the Strait of Hormuz and is not seeking to resume peace talks with the United States, after President Donald Trump halted a 13 day U.S. bombing campaign aimed at weakening Tehran’s military capabilities.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday, July 27, that Tehran had not requested renewed negotiations with Washington and would continue to defend its interests. Iran also said it would suspend retaliatory attacks for as long as the United States refrains from further airstrikes.
A U.S. official told Reuters that Trump’s decision to halt the bombing campaign followed advice from senior military commanders, who believed the operation had reached the limits of what it could achieve. The official said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine also raised concerns about dwindling air defence resources used to protect U.S. bases in the region.
Iranian state media reported that authorities had turned back several ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without permission, underscoring Tehran’s claim that it still exercises control over the strategic waterway. The reports could not be independently verified.
The pause in hostilities pushed global oil prices lower, with Brent crude falling sharply after concerns over prolonged supply disruptions eased. However, analysts warned that tensions remain high and that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea continues to face significant security risks.
Iran and the United States had previously agreed on a framework for talks later this year, but disagreements remain over navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Trump in Washington this week as regional diplomacy continues.
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