The Strait of Hormuz remained closed on Sunday as tensions between Iran and the United States persisted, with both sides signalling that a final agreement remains distant despite ongoing negotiations.

Iranian officials said the key shipping route would not reopen unless Washington lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, a central sticking point in the talks. The waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes, has become a focal point in the broader conflict.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, said there had been some progress in discussions but warned that major differences remained. In a televised address, he noted that negotiations were still far from reaching a final stage, with several unresolved issues between the two sides.

The latest developments follow high-level talks hosted in Pakistan that failed to produce a breakthrough. Mediation efforts are continuing, though uncertainty surrounds the future of a two-week ceasefire that is due to expire later this week.

Donald Trump said discussions with Tehran were ongoing and described them as constructive, but cautioned Iran against using the strategic waterway as a bargaining tool. He maintained that the US blockade would stay in place until a broader agreement is secured.

Iran had briefly announced that the strait would reopen after a ceasefire linked to fighting in Lebanon, which had raised hopes in global markets and led to a drop in oil prices. However, Tehran reversed that decision shortly afterward, citing the continuation of US restrictions on its ports.

Iranian leaders have taken a firm stance on the issue. Mojtaba Khamenei said the country’s naval forces were prepared to respond to any escalation, while officials warned that vessels attempting to pass through the strait without approval could face consequences.

Shipping activity in the area has slowed sharply. A small number of tankers were reported to have crossed during the brief reopening, but most vessels have since avoided the route. Maritime security agencies have also reported several incidents, including gunfire directed at a tanker and damage to another vessel from an unidentified projectile.

The situation has drawn international concern. India summoned Iran’s ambassador following reports involving Indian-flagged ships, highlighting the broader risks to global trade and energy supplies.

As negotiations continue, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm on key demands and the risk of further disruption to international shipping still present.

A new chapter in relations between France and Portugal began on Sunday as a wide-ranging friendship treaty between the two countries officially entered into force, marking a significant step toward closer cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, signed in Porto in February 2025 by Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, is designed to strengthen bilateral ties and reinforce collaboration within Europe.

French officials have described relations with Lisbon as “excellent,” highlighting the agreement as part of a broader effort to build a more self-reliant and competitive Europe. In a message to Portugal’s newly elected president, António José Seguro, Macron pledged to ensure the treaty delivers tangible benefits for both nations.

The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including defence, energy, trade and education. Both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation between their armed forces and defence industries, with a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats, particularly in cyberspace.

Energy cooperation also features prominently. France and Portugal aim to improve interconnections across the Iberian Peninsula, an issue that gained urgency following a major blackout affecting Spain and Portugal in April 2025. Officials say better integration with European energy networks will help prevent future disruptions and support long-term resilience.

On the economic front, the treaty promotes stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises and encourages joint efforts in developing a sustainable “blue economy” linked to the Atlantic Ocean. Trade ties between the two countries are already robust, with France ranking as Portugal’s third-largest trading partner in 2025.

Analysts point to growing investment flows in both directions. Portuguese businesses are increasingly establishing a presence in France, while French firms continue to expand operations in Portugal, reflecting deepening economic integration.

People-to-people links are another key pillar of the agreement. Around 1.7 million Portuguese nationals live in France, making them one of the largest foreign communities in the country. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of French citizens reside in Portugal.

The treaty also aims to boost educational cooperation, including teacher training and student exchanges. However, some observers have raised concerns about practical challenges, particularly a shortage of Portuguese language teachers in France, which could limit progress in this area.

Implementation of the agreement will be overseen through regular high-level meetings between the two governments, ensuring continued coordination and follow-up on agreed initiatives.

The pact forms part of a wider strategy by France to deepen bilateral ties across Europe, following similar agreements with Germany, Italy and Poland, as Paris seeks to strengthen partnerships within the European Union.