Iran Refuses to Budge on Strait Control Amid Ongoing Conflict

Iran is refusing to back down on its control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway, which has been halted due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US. The strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes, was closed after a US-led attack on February 28.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that 'this strait will be opened and closed only under Iran's command,' implying that the US must accept defeat before shipping can resume. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, saying that Iran had not decided to resume talks with the US unless certain conditions are met, including Washington's acceptance of Iranian control over the strait.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has urged Americans to accept slightly higher petrol prices as a result of the conflict. He stated that paying 'a tiny little bit more for your gasoline' is worth the cost of ensuring 'a very evil country' does not have a nuclear weapon.