Conflicting Accounts Over Vital Oil Waterway
The United States Central Command flatly rejected assertions by Iranian military leaders that Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a military university in Tehran on Thursday, Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami claimed full control. Hatami declared the strategic waterway remains shut to enemy vessels until foreign powers respect the rights of the Iranian people. Meanwhile, Iran's Basij paramilitary chief Hossein Taeb stated that artificial intelligence has significantly improved Iranian military targeting accuracy. US military officials countered Hatami's remarks immediately, stating that American and partner naval forces maintain control of the maritime corridor. CENTCOM confirmed that commercial vessels moved more than 19 million barrels of crude oil through the strait in a single day. Furthermore, Washington dismissed Iranian claims that a Singapore-registered container ship sank after striking a naval mine.
Diplomatic Rows Escalate With Britain And Colombia
Alongside the maritime standoff, Tehran engaged in heated diplomatic clashes with both the United Kingdom and Colombia on Thursday. Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned British Ambassador Hugo Shorter to protest allegations that Tehran orchestrated a plot near RAF Fairford. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had condemned Iranian aggression after police arrested suspects near the airbase used by US bombers. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei called the British accusation a clumsy false flag operation and threatened to review diplomatic ties. Tehran also issued a sharp condemnation after Colombia relocated its Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Wednesday. Conservative Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella restored ties with Israel after his predecessor severed relations in 2024. Iran's Foreign Ministry called Colombia's decision a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Oil Markets Weigh Supply Risks Against Reserves
Global oil prices edged slightly lower in Asian trading on Friday morning as traders balanced Hormuz risks against reserve releases. Brent crude traded at $105.50 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate settled near $97.44 per barrel. Understand the complex military and diplomatic currents shaping international affairs. Read our daily global news reports at The WAU.
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