00:00Iran threatens shipping in Gulf and Red Sea if U.S. naval blockade continues.
00:05Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks in three decades.
00:09All that and more coming up on Awani International.
00:22An Iranian commander has warned of potential disruption to shipping in the Gulf and Red Sea
00:28if the U.S. naval blockade continues.
00:31Ali Abdullahi, who heads Iran's Qatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters,
00:35says the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz violates the ceasefire agreement.
00:40He says Iran's armed forces could respond by restricting the movement of exports and imports
00:46across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea.
00:49His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran is close to over
00:55and signaled that talks could resume as early as this week in Pakistan.
01:00He also indicated he is not considering extending the ceasefire as the United States moves to
01:05tighten its blockade.
01:06The head of U.S. Central Command says American forces have halted maritime trade with Iran,
01:12with multiple vessels turned back from Iranian ports.
01:15Despite that, signs of diplomatic engagement have helped calm markets,
01:20with oil prices holding below $100 a barrel for a second day.
01:24Meanwhile, Iranian President Mazud Bezeshkian says that Iran is not seeking war but dialogue,
01:30warning that any attempt to force a surrender would fail.
01:34U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance says there is still deep mistrust between both sides,
01:38but adds he feels positive about the prospects for a deal.
Comments