President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States has total control over the Strait of Hormuz and will keep it, while Iran insisted the strategic waterway will remain closed until Washington changes its behaviour.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the US naval blockade as a wall of steel and said there was nothing Iran could do about it. He also said the US owns the strait and warned that Iran's actions would be met with force.
Iran refuted Trump's claim, saying the strait stays closed until the US meets its demands and changes its behaviour. Talks appear deadlocked, with each side hardening its stance.
Oil prices have been climbing as traders remain uncertain about the prospects of a deal.