IRAN — IRAN PRIORITIZES HORMUZ CONTROL OVER NUCLEAR TALKS, SPARKING ENERGY FEARS

Iran has declared control over the Strait of Hormuz non-negotiable, elevating the waterway's status above its nuclear program in its standoff with the US. The stance follows the collapse of a June de-escalation deal, which unraveled after Iranian forces attacked ships using routes outside its direct control, prompting renewed US strikes and a naval blockade. Tehran's actions, which have already disrupted the passage of a fifth of global oil and LNG, risk a prolonged energy crisis as it insists on sole management of the strait with Oman and threatens to close other energy export routes.