Iranian MP Says Strait of Hormuz Will Not Return to Pre-War Conditions

Iranian parliament second deputy speaker Ali Nikzad said the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war conditions, citing an order from Iran's leadership. Nikzad made the statement to the semiofficial Mehr News Agency, according to @AJEnglish.

He commented on Iran's restrictions on shipping in the waterway and a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026, with Iran maintaining control of the strait since then. The U.S. imposed a naval blockade on April 13, 2026, affecting global energy supplies, particularly in Asia.

Developments Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

returned to Islamabad, Pakistan, after visiting Oman, as reported by Reuters cited in @AJEnglish. Araghchi had discussed Iran's position on a framework to end the war with Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif and other officials before departing on Saturday.

Additionally, Araghchi spoke with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani about ceasefire developments and diplomatic efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a trip by U.S. envoys to Pakistan following Araghchi's departure.

Trump had previously mentioned receiving a revised proposal from Iran, though @AJEnglish reported it is unconfirmed if it relates to ongoing discussions. Pakistan has stated that diplomatic channels remain open. Talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad two weeks ago failed to reach an agreement, but efforts for another round continue.

The group said its actions are a response to Israeli violations since the truce began. The statement, posted on Telegram and reported by @AJEnglish, warned against implicating Lebanese authorities in agreements between Washington and Netanyahu. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that at least 2,509 people have been killed and 7,755 wounded in Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026, when open war renewed between Israel and Hezbollah.

In Iran, weeks of war have killed more than 3,300 people and damaged over 125,000 buildings, disrupting industries like steel and petrochemicals, according to @AJEnglish. This has led to price surges and unemployment for hundreds of thousands. He noted a large undersupply of energy resources due to the crisis.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the need to resume shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call, according to a Downing Street spokesperson reported by @AJEnglish. @AJEnglish correspondent Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Islamabad, described Araghchi's arrival in Pakistan as a development signaling ongoing diplomacy.

Al Jazeera's Tohid Asadi reported from Tehran on the strain on Iran's economy and daily life.