IRAN WARNS IT MAY TIGHTEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ CONTROL AS US-IRAN TALKS APPROACH AMID BLACKOUT AND RISING TENSIONS. (PHOTO).

 Iran warns it may tighten Strait of Hormuz control as US-Iran talks approach amid blackout and rising tensions

Iranian citizens under an ongoing internet blackout reportedly received a government message warning that the country intends to increase “supervision and control” over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ahead of anticipated U.S.-Iran negotiations.

The message, attributed to a senior national security official, said Iran would maintain firm negotiating positions and defend what it described as national interests and sovereignty. It also referenced recent conflict-related casualties in strong ideological terms, highlighting the heightened rhetoric surrounding the diplomatic standoff.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has become a central flashpoint as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Any disruption in the waterway could have significant consequences for global energy supplies.

Security analysts say both sides appear unwilling to make concessions ahead of talks expected to take place in Pakistan. They note that recent maritime incidents, including reported attacks on commercial vessels and military responses at sea, have further intensified the situation and raised the risk of broader escalation.

Despite the strained atmosphere, U.S. officials have expressed confidence that a deal could still be reached quickly. Iranian leaders, however, have pushed back against that optimism, citing deep mistrust and rejecting what they describe as pressure-based diplomacy. Some Iranian officials have also indicated there are currently no plans to participate in the next round of discussions.

The current ceasefire arrangement between the two countries is set to expire later this week, increasing urgency around diplomatic efforts and raising concerns about a potential return to open confrontation if talks collapse.

At the same time, internet access across Iran remains heavily restricted, with monitoring groups reporting prolonged outages that have largely cut the public off from global networks while authorities maintain selective connectivity for certain users.

Officials have not publicly commented on the reported message or clarified the status of upcoming negotiations.