A fragile two-week truce nears expiration as Washington and Tehran clash over maritime and nuclear red lines.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington cannot unilaterally deprive Iran of its nuclear rights, further complicating ongoing ceasefire negotiations mediated by Pakistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the discussions as "very good" but publicly rejected any Iranian pressure regarding the contested Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref asserted Tehran’s authority to manage the strategic waterway, warning that Iran will secure its maritime rights diplomatically or operationally.

The diplomatic standoff over nuclear material and maritime control occurs as the current two-week truce approaches its expiration this week.

Simultaneously, state and independent monitors report the six-week conflict has resulted in over 3,500 fatalities.

If indirect talks in Islamabad collapse, Israeli and U.S. forces have indicated preparations to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, threatening an immediate return to region-wide military engagement.

Iran said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz will not fully reopen unless the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, underscoring the fragility of ongoing negotiations and raising fresh concerns over global energy flows.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaking in a televised address, acknowledged “progress” in talks with Washington but stressed that significant differences remain. “We are still far from the final discussion,” he said, referring to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

A two-week ceasefire linked to the broader confrontation is set to expire on Wednesday, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Donald Trump said “very good conversations” were underway but warned Tehran against attempting to “blackmail” Washington.

Efforts to finalize a permanent end to the six-week war remain deadlocked as a temporary, two-week ceasefire nears expiration.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh announced that Tehran will not transfer enriched uranium to the US, calling the matter non-negotiable.

Khatibzadeh also stated that Iran demands the inclusion of Lebanon in any comprehensive truce.

Independent and state monitors report the conflict has resulted in over 3,500 fatalities.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) places the toll at 3,636, including 1,701 civilians.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial transit due to a US Central Command naval blockade and reciprocal Iranian military directives.

Concurrently, Israeli officials report updated military coordination with the United States to strike Iranian energy facilities if diplomatic channels in Islamabad collapse.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains contested amid stalled diplomatic negotiations.

Israeli and US military forces have finalized coordination for potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities if the current ceasefire expires without a negotiated settlement.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

CENTCOM confirmed a US naval blockade has halted Iran's maritime commercial activity, while Iranian military commands announced a reciprocal closure to all international shipping.

The Israeli cabinet convened to assess readiness across both the Iranian and Lebanese fronts.

The Israeli military currently controls approximately one-third of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River.

Diplomatic negotiations mediated by Pakistan remain stalled.

Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf noted progress but emphasized that fundamental gaps persist between Washington and Tehran.

Iran’s top security body said Saturday it is reviewing new proposals from the United States, signaling a possible diplomatic opening even as tensions remain high over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional conflict.

In a statement carried by state media, the Supreme National Security Council confirmed that “new proposals have been put forward by the Americans,” adding that Tehran has yet to formally respond.

Despite the review, the council stressed that Iran’s negotiators would make “no compromise, retreat, or leniency” in defending national interests.

The announcement comes amid renewed escalation between Tehran and Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.

Speaking at a White House event on Saturday, Trump said Iran “cannot blackmail” the United States after Tehran declared the vital waterway closed once again.

Iran said no date is set for US talks, stressing the need for a framework first, as tensions over the Hormuz Strait and ceasefire disputes continue to complicate negotiations

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, issued a message on the occasion of Iran's Army Day, stating: "The Islamic Republic of Iran's army is a symbol of power and security, a force with deep roots in the hearts of the people."

Qalibaf noted that commanders and devoted forces of the army have always been on the front lines in all fields, including military wars, natural crises, and services. He said: "Having such brave commanders and soldiers is a source of pride for the Iranian people."

The Parliament Speaker highlighted the army's history of activities, stating: "From the early days of the Revolution's victory and confronting armed unrest and the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, to the 12-day war and the recent direct confrontation of the army with the US and Israel, this force has demonstrated the truth of power and devotion to its nation."

He also noted that the army stands under the command of the leaders of the Islamic Republic (Imam Khomeini, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei) and has shown that it will not surrender to threats, protecting the country's independence and dignity until its last breath.

At the end of his message, while congratulating Army Day, Qalibaf paid respects to the memory of martyrs, wounded, and freed prisoners of the army.

Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority said it reopened air routes in the eastern part of the country to international transit flights, according to AFP. The authority added that some airports resumed operations at 7:00 am (0330 GMT).

However, more than three hours after the announcement, flight tracking data showed no international aircraft crossing Iranian airspace, with several continuing to reroute around the country.

Three sanctioned Iranian oil tankers carrying a combined five million barrels of crude navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to the maritime tracking firm Kpler.

The departure of the vessels, identified as the Deep Sea, Sonia I, and Diona, marks the first confirmed exit of Iranian crude shipments since the United States imposed a maritime blockade on Iranian ports on Monday to halt Tehran's oil exports.

Because the tankers' tracking transponders were disabled, Kpler utilized satellite imagery to verify their movements from Kharg Island.

While their final destinations are unconfirmed, historical data indicates these specific vessels frequently transfer cargoes near Singapore to ships bound for northern China. 

Since March 1, over 62 million barrels of Iranian crude have been transferred through similar ship-to-ship operations in the Singapore area.

An analysis published by The Atlantic has detailed the escalating risks surrounding the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as part of a broader maritime confrontation with Iran. The report outlines competing restrictions imposed by both sides, including Iran’s toll-based transit system and U.S. countermeasures restricting passage through the strait. It highlights operational risks for U.S. naval forces, including boarding operations, mine-clearing missions, and exposure to drone and small-boat attacks. The analysis also notes Iran’s continued efforts to maintain trade through alternative routes and the potential economic impact of disrupted oil flows on global markets. It further states that Iranian exports through the strait represent a significant share of national revenue, while global energy prices could rise if supplies are constrained. The report frames the situation as an extended test of endurance between the two sides.