Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency said authorities will temporarily restrict parts of the Strait of Hormuz for “security precautions” as the Revolutionary Guards conduct military exercises along the world’s most critical oil artery. The announcement came hours after indirect U.S.–Iran negotiations resumed in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi led Tehran’s team into a meeting with U.S. Middle East representative Steve Witcoff, which observers say could also include presidential adviser Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law. Analysts argue his presence would underscore the talks’ political weight. Yet, they warn the session may prove a prelude to sharper confrontation if diplomacy stalls. Shipping monitors reported no disruption, but energy traders watched closely for signs of extended closures that could rattle crude markets and insurance rates across the Gulf.
Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed U.S. efforts to topple his government would fail, addressing relatives of security personnel and civilians killed during protests that authorities label a foreign-fueled regime-change plot. His remarks coincided with a heightened American military posture in the region and the renewed diplomatic track. Tensions have mounted since late December, when the U.S. president threatened military action unless Tehran halted what Washington called a brutal crackdown on demonstrators. Shortly thereafter, the White House reportedly paused a near-executed airstrike after Iran signaled it would suspend executions of detainees identified by law enforcement. Since then, focus has shifted back to the nuclear file. Negotiations previously stalled in June 2025, when Israel’s military struck targets in Iran during a 12-day impasse, hardening positions and narrowing room for compromise as today’s talks cautiously proceed.
