TEHRAN — Senior Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati said Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz is “firmly in our hands,” underscoring Tehran’s stance following failed talks with the United States in Islamabad.“Today the Strait of Hormuz is firmly in our hands,” Velayati said in a statement posted on X, adding that Iran’s diplomatic approach is centered on protecting national sovereignty and strategic interests.The remarks came after US and Iranian delegations concluded their latest round of Pakistan-mediated talks without reaching an agreement.US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations failed despite extended discussions.“We have not reached an agreement … that’s bad news for Iran, much more than for the United States,” he said, adding that Tehran had refused to accept US terms.The talks, which included multiple rounds of discussions and exchanges of proposals, ended with key differences unresolved, though both sides signaled willingness to continue diplomatic efforts.The negotiations were part of broader attempts to end the conflict that has killed more than 3,300 people since Feb. 28, before a fragile two-week ceasefire was brokered earlier this week.Since the outbreak of the war, Iran has restricted shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies.
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