Iranian officials weigh diplomacy and military pressure over Strait of Hormuz as Tehran pursues regional talks

Iranian officials are advancing diplomacy through regional talks while hard-line figures call for keeping pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said regional countries should ensure security without outside military intervention after meeting counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in Tehran. Officials linked reopening the strait to conditions for ending the war with the United States. Some lawmakers argue Iran should retain its leverage if the US naval blockade continues. No breakthrough was announced.