Iran has announced new measures to ensure the safe and stable passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with the United States continue.
According to Iranian media on Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated the same day that with end of "threats from aggressors" and in light of new procedures, safe and stable transit through the strait will be possible.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Thursday morning that the country's Ports and Maritime Organization has notified merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters that Iran is ready to provide supplies, fuel, sanitation, medical services, and approved materials required for ship maintenance.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that "a new equation in the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape," according to the country's Tasnim news agency.
"The security of shipping and energy transit has been jeopardized by the United States and its allies through the violation of the ceasefire and the imposition of a blockade; of course, their evil will diminish," Ghalibaf said.
"The continuation of the status quo is intolerable for the United States," he said.
Iran pledges safe, stable transit in Strait of Hormuz under new procedures
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday dismissed reports that Israel was caught off guard by Washington's diplomatic moves toward Iran, saying that he is in near-daily contact with U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure full coordination.
"We are in continuous contact with our friends in the United States," Netanyahu said. "I speak with President Trump on an almost daily basis. My people and his people speak daily, including today," he said.
He added that he has a planned phone call with Trump again later Wednesday night.
Israel is "ready for all scenarios" in dealing with Iran, Netanyahu said, adding that Israel and the United States share the same goals, "with the most important goal being the removal of enriched material from Iran".
Israeli officials have voiced support for renewing attacks on Iran, claiming its nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile stockpiles remain a concern.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump issued a fresh ultimatum, telling Iran to accept a deal to end the war or face a new wave of bombing "at a much higher level and intensity than it was before".
On the same day, Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon following fresh Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese targets, telling commanders they face "no limits" in operations against Hezbollah.
Zamir also framed the fighting along the border as part of a broader regional campaign, saying Israel remained prepared for wider operations across the Middle East, including potential action against Iran.
"In Iran, we have an additional series of targets ready to be struck," he said. "We are on high alert to return to a powerful and broad campaign that will enable us to deepen our achievements and further weaken the Iranian government."
Despite Lebanese calls to halt the attacks and a fragile ceasefire that took effect last month, Israeli strikes have continued.
Israel on Wednesday evening launched its first airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs since a ceasefire with Lebanon took effect in mid-April, Lebanon's TV channel Al-Jadeed reported.
Netanyahu says Israel fully coordinated with US on Iran, prepared for "any scenarios"
