Regional
Iran tightens grip on Hormuz as ceasefire uncertainty lingers
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had detained two foreign-flagged ships for alleged regulatory violations, including operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems.
Iran has moved to tighten control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, seizing two vessels and escalating tensions despite an announcement by US President Donald Trump that the United States would halt further attacks on the country.
The developments come amid confusion over the status of a fragile ceasefire between Iran and U.S.-aligned forces. While Washington signalled an extension of the truce to allow for renewed negotiations, Iranian officials have not confirmed any agreement and have instead criticised the continued U.S. naval blockade.
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a meaningful ceasefire would require the lifting of restrictions on Iran’s maritime trade, describing the blockade as a violation of any truce. He added that reopening the vital oil transit route—through which roughly a fifth of global supply once passed—would be impossible under current conditions.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had detained two foreign-flagged ships for alleged regulatory violations, including operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems. A third vessel was reportedly fired upon but continued its journey without damage, according to maritime security sources.
The U.S. has condemned the seizures, with officials describing them as acts of piracy. At the same time, American forces have continued enforcing a naval blockade, redirecting dozens of ships and intercepting Iranian oil tankers in waters as far afield as South and Southeast Asia.
The standoff has left the Hormuz passage effectively constrained, raising concerns for global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel, reflecting growing fears of prolonged disruption.
Efforts to revive diplomacy remain stalled. Pakistan, which has been mediating between the sides, has yet to secure a new round of talks after both delegations failed to attend a scheduled meeting in Islamabad earlier this week.
Washington has said it is willing to pause military action while discussions continue, but no deadline has been set. The U.S. is pressing Iran to curb its nuclear programme, while Tehran is demanding sanctions relief, compensation for war damage, and recognition of its authority over the strait.
The broader conflict—sparked by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February—has killed thousands across the region, including in Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has been engaged in fighting with Israel.
With no clear path to de-escalation, the situation remains volatile, and the risk of further disruption to global shipping and energy supplies persists.
At least 15 people, including 11 civilians and four security personnel, have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to local authorities.
The unrest was triggered by opposition to the reservation of 12 seats in the regional legislative assembly for Kashmiri refugees. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a march to Muzaffarabad, but authorities banned the group, accused it of sedition, and ordered action against its leaders.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of protesters joined the march, leading to violent confrontations in several areas.
Dozens of people have also been injured, and concerns remain over further violence. Amnesty International has criticized the authorities’ response, citing mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and the use of excessive force against protesters.
The demonstrators are demanding the abolition of the reserved seats, arguing that all legislative seats should be contested by residents of the region. However, the region’s Supreme Court has ruled that the seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be removed through political or administrative measures.
Regional
US hits China- and Hong Kong-based entities with sanctions over Iran weapons
The U.S. State Department also designated two companies and individuals based in Iran and Belarus in connection with Iran’s conventional arms-related activities, Treasury said.
The U.S. government on Wednesday said it was imposing sanctions against 11 people and entities, including several based in China and Hong Kong, for supporting weapons procurement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian military, Reuters reported.
Nine of those designated were China- and Hong Kong-based individuals and companies that facilitated the procurement of weapons for Iran’s military, and a Hong Kong-based company operating within Iran’s clandestine banking network, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said in a statement.
The U.S. State Department also designated two companies and individuals based in Iran and Belarus in connection with Iran’s conventional arms-related activities, Treasury said.
All personnel on board a military helicopter have been killed in a crash near Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan’s military said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifying the number of deaths.
“An Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to technical fault,” the military said in a statement, Reuters reported. “There were no survivors.”
Rescue teams have reached the site and a board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident, it said.
The helicopter crashed while taking off and caught fire, a Reuters witness said, adding that firefighters were trying to control the flames.
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