Iran says Hormuz open for shipping during ceasefire

Pakistan deployed fighter jets to escort an Iranian delegation home from talks with the United States after concerns were raised they could be targeted during their return, sources told Reuters.

The move came after Iranian officials discussed the possibility of an Israeli strike following last weekend’s inconclusive talks in Islamabad, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

About 20 aircraft, including fighter jets and an airborne warning system, were involved in the operation to сопровide cover for the delegation, two Pakistani sources said.

A regional diplomat said the threat was described as a possibility rather than an imminent risk, but Pakistan moved ahead with the escort as a precaution.

“When the talks failed, the Iranians were wary that things had not gone right,” a security source said. “It was their suspicion that they might be targeted.”

The delegation, which included senior Iranian officials, was escorted beyond Pakistani airspace, one source said, adding that similar measures could be used for future rounds of talks.

The episode underscores the tensions surrounding the negotiations, even as both sides signal willingness to continue dialogue.

Police are investigating a security incident near the Israeli embassy in London after officers found a number of discarded items in Kensington Gardens.

Counter Terrorism Policing London said it is aware of a video shared online in which a group claims to have targeted the embassy with drones carrying hazardous substances.

Police said the embassy had not been attacked and that urgent inquiries are under way to assess the authenticity of the video and any link to the items found.

Authorities said they do not believe there is any increased risk to public safety at this stage, but urged people to avoid the area while investigations continue.

An Iranian cleric said conflict with the United States would continue in different forms and warned Iran’s forces are ready to respond to any escalation.

“The war with the US is not something that ends and will take different forms over time,” Mohammad Nabi Mousavi Fard, Friday prayer leader in Ahvaz, said.

“The smallest mistake by the enemy will be seen as a violation of the ceasefire,” he said, warning of a strong response.

He added that even a combined effort by global powers would not defeat what he described as the “front of Islam.”

Iran rejects any temporary ceasefire and is seeking a comprehensive end to conflict across the region, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Friday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Khatibzadeh said any ceasefire must cover all fronts “from Lebanon to the Red Sea,” describing it as a red line for Tehran.

“We are not accepting any temporary ceasefire,” he said, adding that the cycle of conflict should end “once and for all.”

Khatibzadeh said Pakistan was engaged in mediation efforts aimed at achieving a broader settlement.

He also said Iran remains committed to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, but indicated that new arrangements could be introduced, including measures related to security and safe passage.

A senior Iranian cleric said no one would dare attack Iran, while warning that any strike would fail and urging caution toward the United States.

“ No one will dare attack Iran anymore,” Ahmad Khatami, Tehran’s interim Friday prayer leader, said.

“ They may attack, but it will not lead anywhere and this revolution will endure,” he added.

Khatami also urged distrust of the United States during the ceasefire period.

“ We must even be pessimistic about the enemy’s smiles, especially our enemy named Trump, who is a symbol of lies,” he said.

He stressed the importance of public support and unity during the truce, saying people should remain present and trust in leadership.

“ People will not accept negotiations with humiliation,” he added.