Iranian officials have challenged claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding the status of negotiations, highlighting significant contradictions in messaging amidst ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, Trump has stated that there are no remaining “sticking points” for a deal, while insisting the blockade will persist until any agreement is “100 percent complete.” Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, demanding the US lift the blockade of its ports, hours after Trump expressed optimism about a deal with Tehran. The Strait had been briefly reopened earlier on Saturday under specific conditions, in line with the Lebanon ceasefire and pre-coordinated maritime routes.
Here is what we know:
In Iran:
Enriched uranium dispute: Iran’s foreign ministry asserts that its enriched uranium stockpile will not be transferred “anywhere,” refuting Trump’s claims that Tehran had agreed to hand it over.
Hormuz fees plan: Iran announced it would not impose “traditional” transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz but is drafting legislation to charge ship owners for “securing the strait,” according to security committee spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei. He added that vessels would only be permitted to pass with prior coordination with Iranian authorities, with hostile military ships, particularly from the US and Israel, being entirely barred.
War diplomacy:
Lebanon-Israel ‘agreements’: President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon is approaching a “new phase” of lasting agreements following the ceasefire and is no longer “an arena for others’ wars.”
France, UK Hormuz mission: France and Britain will spearhead a multinational effort to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as conditions allow,” as announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
China visit hinted: Trump mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping supports the reopening of Hormuz and hinted at a “potentially historic” visit to China.
Houthis rally in Yemen for Lebanon: Supporters in Sanaa demonstrated solidarity with Lebanon. The Iran-aligned and armed Houthi movement, which controls northern Yemen, has warned of its readiness to join the war if necessary.
In the Gulf:
Fragile recovery: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan welcomed Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but cautioned that the situation remains fragile. He noted that some countries could restart production quickly, while others would require more time, depending on the extent of damage.
In the US:
US extends Russian oil waiver: The Treasury Department extended a waiver allowing countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil at sea until May 16. This measure aims to stabilize global supply amidst disruptions caused by the war.
Iran port blockade enforced: The US naval blockade remains in effect, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that 21 vessels have complied with orders to turn back from Iranian ports.
Trump signals pressure on Iran talks: The US president stated that negotiations are “going very well” but warned that the ceasefire might not be extended without a deal, while reiterating the claim that Tehran could hand over enriched uranium – a claim Iran denies.
Trump rejects NATO role: The US president dismissed an offer from NATO to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling the alliance a “paper tiger” and instructing it to “stay away.”
In Israel:
Israel ‘prohibited’ from striking Lebanon: Trump declared that the US has barred Israel from continuing attacks on Lebanon, stating “enough is enough.”
Netanyahu says campaign not over: The Israeli Prime Minister warned that the campaign against Hezbollah was not over. “We have not yet finished the job,” he added, emphasizing that a key objective was the “dismantling of Hezbollah.”
In Lebanon:
One killed despite ceasefire: Lebanese state media reported that one person was killed in the south by an Israeli attack on a motorcycle, despite the commencement of a 10-day ceasefire.
Israel killed almost 2,300 in Lebanon: Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths since March 2, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, on the first day of the ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war.
Lebanon war ‘last anti-colonial battle’: Analyst Rami Khouri suggested that the conflict reflects resistance by Iran-aligned groups against decades of Western influence, with southern Lebanon at its core. He argued that Israel’s push for a “security zone” has been halted by Hezbollah and Iran, potentially shifting the conflict from military escalation to negotiations.
Global economy:
Oil prices fall, stocks soar: Wall Street reached record highs on Friday after Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which caused oil prices to tumble from a peak of nearly $120 a barrel to $90.38 for Brent Crude.
Boeing’s war boost: The war has so far boosted Boeing’s defense business and has not impacted deliveries to airline customers, who are currently facing high jet fuel prices, according to the company’s CEO.
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