Iran Maintains Sovereignty Over Strait of Hormuz, Demands Asset Release Before Nuclear Concessions

U.S. officials returned a revised nuclear framework proposal to Iran, according to The New York Times and Axios. The draft contains stricter terms than earlier versions. Iranian officials responded that any final agreement must guarantee the release of $12 billion in frozen assets and uphold Iranian rights.

A temporary ceasefire between Tehran and Washington took effect in April. Both sides have continued to exchange proposed amendments to the text. Israeli forces launched air and missile strikes that destroyed multiple underground missile sites and struck more than 80 percent of Iran's missile facilities, according to U.S. military estimates from April.

The strikes eliminated much of Iran's senior leadership. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that until a clear conclusion is reached, all current statements remain speculation.

U.S. officials said any agreement would include a clause barring tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian news agency Fars reported that no such clause exists in current drafts. Iran's ISNA news agency quoted lawmaker Alireza Salimi saying parliament would soon consider a plan for Iranian management of the strait that would include administrative fees.

A U.S. military drone was reported near Iranian territorial waters, an incident cited by IRIB but not confirmed by Washington.