Iran's top security body to decide on Hormuz closure, Press TV reports
Iran has long used the threat of closing the Strait, through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, as a way to ward off Western pressure which is now at its peak after the overnight U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.
The decision to close the strait is not yet final and it was not officially reported that parliament had in fact adopted a bill to that effect.
Instead, a member of parliament's national security commission Esmail Kosari was quoted on other Iranian media as saying: "For now, [parliament has] come to the conclusion we should close the Strait of Hormuz, but the final decision in this regard is the responsibility of the Supreme National Security Council."
Kosari, who is also a Revolutionary Guards Commander, had earlier on Sunday told the Young Journalist Club that closing the strait was on the agenda and "will be done whenever necessary".
Asked about whether Tehran would close the waterway, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dodged the question on Sunday and replied: "A variety of options are available to Iran."
The strait lies between Oman and Iran and links the Mideast Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.
It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
7 hours ago
- CNA
France to recognise Palestinian state in September, Macron says
PARIS: France will recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (Jul 24), a move aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution but one that drew immediate condemnation from Israel. In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and posted on social media, Macron confirmed France's decision and said it would encourage others to follow. "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine," Macron said. "I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September." France would become the first major Western country to formally recognise a Palestinian state, potentially strengthening a campaign previously led by smaller, more critical nations of Israel's conduct in the region. ISRAEL CONDEMNS MOVE The announcement was met with sharp rebuke from Israeli leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy." "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it," Netanyahu wrote on social media. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," and said Israel would not allow the creation of a Palestinian entity that threatens its security. Washington has also voiced concern. In a diplomatic cable sent in June, the United States warned that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state could run counter to American foreign policy interests and may trigger consequences. BUILDING SUPPORT French officials had been weighing recognition for months. The move comes after an earlier attempt to co-host a peace conference with Saudi Arabia in June was delayed under US pressure and due to the closure of regional airspace during the 12-day Israel-Iran air war. That conference was rescheduled as a ministerial-level event for Jul 28–29 in New York, with a second round expected during the UN General Assembly in September. French officials said Macron's announcement ahead of next week's gathering would give his diplomatic team a clearer mandate to build consensus with countries still hesitant to endorse Palestinian statehood. Diplomats said France faced resistance from close allies including Britain and Canada, but some 40 foreign ministers are expected to attend the event in New York. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Israel has spent months lobbying Paris to prevent the decision, warning of strained intelligence ties and the potential annexation of parts of the West Bank. Israel has been engaged in ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli territory. The Israeli government argues that any recognition of Palestinian statehood now amounts to rewarding Hamas. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh thanked France on social media, calling the decision "a reflection of France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state."
CNA
7 hours ago
- CNA
France to recognise Palestinian state in September, drawing Israeli anger
PARIS: France will recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (Jul 24), a move aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution but one that drew immediate condemnation from Israel. In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and posted on social media, Macron confirmed France's decision and said it would encourage others to follow. "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine," Macron said. "I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September." France would become the first major Western country to formally recognise a Palestinian state, potentially strengthening a campaign previously led by smaller, more critical nations of Israel's conduct in the region. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ISRAEL CONDEMNS MOVE The announcement was met with sharp rebuke from Israeli leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy." "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it," Netanyahu wrote on social media. "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," and said Israel would not allow the creation of a Palestinian entity that threatens its security. According to sources familiar with the matter, Israeli warnings to France have ranged from scaling back intelligence sharing to obstructing French diplomatic initiatives in the region. Some Israeli officials have even hinted at the possible annexation of parts of the West Bank. Washington has also voiced concern. In a diplomatic cable sent in June, the United States warned that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state could run counter to American foreign policy interests and may trigger consequences. BUILDING SUPPORT French officials had been weighing recognition for months. The move comes after an earlier attempt to co-host a peace conference with Saudi Arabia in June was delayed under US pressure and due to the closure of regional airspace during the 12-day Israel-Iran air war. That conference was rescheduled as a ministerial-level event for Jul 28–29 in New York, with a second round expected during the UN General Assembly in September. French officials said Macron's announcement ahead of next week's gathering would give his diplomatic team a clearer mandate to build consensus with countries still hesitant to endorse Palestinian statehood. The announcement is aimed at giving the French team a framework to work with foreign ministers who are either considering recognition or remain undecided. Some 40 foreign ministers are expected to attend the New York gathering. Diplomats say Macron has faced pushback from allies such as Britain and Canada, who remain cautious about unilateral moves that could further complicate peace efforts. Diplomats said France faced resistance from close allies including Britain and Canada, but some 40 foreign ministers are expected to attend the event in New York. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Israel has spent months lobbying Paris to prevent the decision, warning of strained intelligence ties and the potential annexation of parts of the West Bank. Israel has been engaged in ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli territory. The Israeli government argues that any recognition of Palestinian statehood now amounts to rewarding Hamas. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh thanked France on social media, calling the decision "a reflection of France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state."
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Straits Times
US has talked with Syria about death of US citizen, State Dept says
Find out what's new on ST website and app. United States Department of State logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department has called for an immediate investigation into the recent death of a U.S. citizen in Syria, and there have been direct discussions with the Syrian government about the issue, deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on Thursday. U.S. citizen Hosam Saraya died last week in the predominantly Druze region of Sweida, the State Department previously confirmed, amid ongoing sectarian clashes there. ABC News last week cited videos shared on social media that showed eight men kneeling in civilian clothes before being executed by gunfire by a group of soldiers. One of the victims was apparently Saraya. "What I can say is we have had direct discussions with the Syrian government on this issue, and have called for an immediate investigation into the matter," Pigott told reporters during a press briefing. "Hosam and his family deserve justice, and those responsible for this atrocity must be held accountable." Saraya's death comes at a complex time for the Syrian government, which rose to power after long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad was deposed last year. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is struggling to keep together a country beset by sectarian rifts, and he faces suspicion among some Western leaders due to his past membership in violent terrorist organizations. Israeli forces have pressed deep into the country's southwest. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia 11 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Asia Singapore urges all parties in Thailand-Cambodia border dispute to exercise restraint Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Life Hulk Hogan, who helped turn pro wrestling into a billion-dollar spectacle, dies at 71 Singapore Avoid water activities around Tuas Second Link, Raffles Marina after chemical tank accident: NEA Singapore Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp Singapore Mindef to set up new volunteer management unit to grow volunteer pool Singapore Primary 1 registration: 29 schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2B The fighting in Sweida has pitted the Druze, who distrust the new government in Damascus, against Sunni Muslim Bedouin. In May, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria in a bid to integrate the new government into the international community. In late June, he officially signed an executive order terminating U.S. sanctions. REUTERS
