German Media: Strait of Hormuz: Indian Oil Tanker Attacked, Iran Says Talks Making Progress

The Iranian side stated that progress has been made in negotiations with the United States, though a few fundamental issues remain unresolved. U.S. President Trump, meanwhile, said both sides had conducted "very good dialogue," but warned Iran not to "extort" over the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.

After Iran announced on Saturday, April 18, its renewed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the country's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Galibaf said negotiations with the U.S. had made "progress," but that "many differences still exist, and some fundamental issues remain unresolved."

In a televised address, Galibaf stated he is negotiating terms for a permanent end to the war instigated by Israel and the United States, saying, "We are still far from final talks." He added, "We hold firm on certain issues… they also have their own red lines. But these issues may amount to only one or two."

Neither side provided any specific details regarding the progress of the talks. Just days later, the fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran is set to expire. On Saturday, Trump said the United States is conducting "excellent dialogue."

Following Iran’s announcement on Friday to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the very next day it declared reassertion of control over this critical maritime chokepoint. Iran described the move as a response to America’s continued blockade of Iranian ports and accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Indian Vessel Attacked by Artillery

Previously, a 10-day ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon facilitated the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump defended the U.S. blockade and threatened that unless a long-term agreement is reached before the ceasefire expires next Wednesday, "we will drop bombs again."

According to Iranian state media, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that Tehran’s control over the strait includes demands for fees related to security, safety, and environmental protection.

On Saturday, multiple vessels were attacked in the waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that two oil tankers flying the Indian flag were hit by artillery fire; India promptly summoned the Iranian ambassador. Additionally, a cruise ship operated by German travel company TUI was traveling through the Strait of Hormuz when an explosion occurred nearby—there were no passengers on board at the time. Meanwhile, three other cruise ships stranded in the Persian Gulf due to ongoing conflict successfully passed through the strait.

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862910188800068/

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