As tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reiterated the country's firm stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz, confirming that it will remain closed until the United States adheres to the terms of the interim agreement.

The Iranian Parliament Speaker repeated calls today (Tuesday) for the necessity of lifting the U.S. maritime blockade and sanctions, and for the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad, according to Iranian state media.

These statements coincided with ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Oman regarding the management of the strait, amid continuous Iranian claims of nearing an agreement while emphasizing that this matter is separate from the negotiation process with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to tighten the blockade on Iran, warning it of a "crippling economic blockade." He urged Tehran to raise the white flag and surrender, noting that it had made an offer that does not meet U.S. demands.

Meanwhile, preliminary shipping data (Tuesday) showed that the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz was in the single digits yesterday (Monday), although it rose slightly compared to levels at the beginning of the week amid the ongoing stalemate in talks to end the war between the U.S. and Iran.

Data from ship tracking company Kpler indicated that six vessels carrying cargoes crossed the strait (Monday), three of which left the Gulf and three headed towards it, compared to a 10-day average of 11 vessels. Three vessels crossed the strait (Saturday), while two passed through (Sunday).

For its part, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency announced today (Tuesday) that it received a report of a vessel being hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz outbound, causing damage to the engine room and injuring one crew member. It stated that the remaining crew members are receiving assistance from the Omani Coast Guard.