By Ghazali Ibrahim
Iran has indicated it will maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of high-level peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, raising fresh concerns about global energy supply and regional stability.
The talks in Islamabad, which lasted more than 20 hours, ended without an agreement, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown. Iranian officials subsequently signalled that no further negotiations are planned for now and vowed to retain their hold over the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, has already been heavily disrupted since the outbreak of conflict earlier this year. Shipping traffic has dropped sharply amid Iranian restrictions, threats to vessels, and reported deployment of sea mines.
Recent developments suggest the waterway remains effectively closed or severely restricted, despite earlier ceasefire arrangements that included provisions for reopening it.
Energy officials and global leaders have warned that continued disruption could have far-reaching consequences for global markets.
The failure of the talks has also heightened military tensions. The United States has responded with threats of naval action, including a possible blockade of the strait, while urging Iran to allow free passage of commercial shipping.
Diplomatic voices have described the breakdown as a major setback. International stakeholders are now calling for renewed dialogue to prevent further escalation and stabilise the global economy, which has already been impacted by rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
The situation remains fluid, with fears growing that continued control or closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger wider geopolitical and economic consequences if no diplomatic breakthrough is reached.
