In a significant display of military capacity, Iran has announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live fire drills, coinciding with indirect negotiations concerning its nuclear program with the United States in Geneva. This bold move signifies escalating tensions in a region already rife with conflict.
GENEVA (AP) — Iran announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday for live-fire military drills, showcasing its military prowess as negotiations with the United States continue in Geneva regarding its controversial nuclear program.
This marks the first time Iran has declared the closure of this vital international shipping lane, through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, in the wake of increasing threats from the U.S. and military deployments to the region. The announcement reflects a further escalation in an ongoing standoff that could potentially lead to renewed hostilities in the Middle East.
As discussions commenced, Iranian state media reported live missile tests targeting the Strait, indicating a temporary closure for the “safety and maritime concerns” of the ongoing drills.
The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, associated with the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, confirmed that the missiles launched from within Iran and its coastal areas successfully hit their designated targets in the Strait.
AP AUDIO: Iran temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz as it held latest round of indirect talks with US
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Donald Trump says he will be involved in negotiations with Iran.
Iranian state television later indicated that the talks concluded after approximately three hours of discussions.
Another round of indirect talks
Iranian state TV previously reported that the negotiations would be conducted indirectly, focusing solely on Iran’s nuclear ambitions rather than internal issues, such as the recent violent crackdown on protests that occurred last month.
U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently warned of possible military action to persuade Iran to limit its nuclear development. Iran, however, has stated that it would retaliate if attacked. Trump has also directed threats towards Iran regarding its suppression of protestors.
The initial round of talks on February 6 took place in Oman and featured indirect dialogue. The recent negotiations were held within the residence of the Omani envoy in Geneva, with both parties meeting separately with mediators.
President Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, participated in this new round of discussions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is championing the talks for Iran, met with the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency on Monday in Geneva.
“I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal,” Araghchi posted on X. “What is not on the table: submission before threats.”
A diplomat affiliated with the U.N. nuclear watchdog confirmed that Director General Rafael Grossi was present in Geneva to provide technical assistance to both delegations upon request. The diplomat’s anonymity was maintained due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
Speaking to reporters Monday evening aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intention to be involved in the negotiations, even in an indirect capacity. “I think they want to make a deal. I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,” he commented.
The U.S. is also facilitating discussions between envoys from Russia and Ukraine in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, just days before the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Iran fires missiles into Strait of Hormuz in drill
Iran has announced that its Revolutionary Guard initiated military drills early Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, along with the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, regions essential for international shipping. This event marks the second live-fire exercise conducted by Iran in the Strait in recent weeks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has intensified threats against the U.S. regarding its military presence in the Middle East.
“A warship is undoubtedly a dangerous weapon, but the weapon that can sink it is even more perilous,” Khamenei remarked, per Iranian state media.
Furthermore, he cautioned the U.S. that attempting to dictate outcomes of negotiations is both “ill-advised and misguided.”
US increases military presence
Last week, Trump confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier globally, was being dispatched from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East to enhance the existing U.S. military presence in the region.
The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers, which have been stationed in the area for over two weeks. Recently, U.S. forces downed an Iranian drone that approached the Lincoln on the same day Iran attempted to intercept a U.S.-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf Arab nations have expressed concerns that any assault could spiral into yet another regional conflict in a Middle East still dealing with the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war.
The Trump administration aims to establish an agreement that restricts Iran’s nuclear activities and prevents it from developing nuclear weapons. Iran contends that its nuclear pursuits are peaceful, resisting demands to cease uranium enrichment on its territory or relinquish its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium.
Negotiations had been ongoing for several months when Israel initiated a 12-day military operation against Iran in June, halting the discussions. The U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during that conflict, likely compromising many centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. The Israeli strikes also severely weakened Iran’s air defense systems and targeted its ballistic missile capabilities.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. Prior to the June conflict, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% purity, which is just a technical step away from weapon-grade levels.
Iran marks 40 days since deadliest part of protest crackdowns
Iran is observing 40 days, a traditional mourning period in Islam, since one of the deadliest days during the recent crackdown on protests that swept across the nation last month. Activists report a death toll exceeding 7,015, most occurring during a violent crackdown that transpired overnight between January 8 and 9.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, known for accurately documenting fatalities during previous protests in Iran, relies on a network of activists for verification.
The Associated Press has unfortunately been unable to independently verify the current death toll due to internet disruptions and restrictions on international communications within Iran.
Iran’s state news agency announced government plans to hold a memorial commemorating the 40 days at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran, attributing the protests to “violent actions by armed groups allegedly organized by foreign intelligence agencies.”
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Liechtenstein reported from Vienna. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.
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The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/
Key Takeaways
- Iran has temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz for military drills amidst ongoing negotiations with the U.S.
- This is Iran’s first announcement of the Strait’s closure in response to U.S. military threats.
- Unfolding tensions may trigger further conflicts in the already volatile Middle East region.
- The latest round of talks in Geneva focuses strictly on Iran’s nuclear program.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has conducted live missile drills in crucial shipping lanes.
- The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region with additional warships.
FAQ
Why did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran closed the Strait for live-fire military drills amid heightened tensions and indirect negotiations with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil transport, handling approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
What are the implications of Iran’s military exercises?
Iran’s military exercises indicate its readiness to assert power in the region, which could escalate existing conflicts and affect global markets.
Are the negotiations with the U.S. focused on issues beyond the nuclear program?
No, the current negotiations are strictly focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and do not address domestic policies or other issues.
