On Tuesday, August 12th, 2026, Iran reaffirmed its stance that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets specific conditions, including ending its military campaign and releasing Iranian funds held abroad. This declaration came during the visit of Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, to Tehran.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council head, Mohsen Rezaei, conveyed these demands to China’s ambassador in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Naqvi to discuss strengthening political, economic, trade, cultural, and security ties between Iran and Pakistan.

The situation escalated as US Central Command reported that a US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles to disable the steering gear of a Panama-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which the US said attempted to breach the Iranian blockade.

These developments occur amid ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, with no resolution in sight despite US President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that a deal was near. Additionally, attacks on shipping in the Gulf and Red Sea were launched by the US and Yemen’s Houthis.

Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, commented on the situation, stating, “We have heard positive statements from both capitals in the recent couple of days. Our main priority here is the reopening of the strait, maintaining the ceasefire and making sure that we are able to push forward towards the negotiation.”

Iran also reported that Mojtaba Khamenei remains in ‘perfect health’ amid the ongoing conflict, and new military appointments have been made, signaling continued strategic adjustments.

Sources