Iran vowed it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the United States continues to blockade its ports, in a tense standoff on Thursday that has dominated the ceasefire in the Middle East war.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has lashed out at his French, Chinese, and Pakistani counterparts, accusing their countries of effectively backing Iran by allegedly striking deals to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran threatened on Saturday to shut the Strait of Hormuz once more if the United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, hours after Iran announced it had reopened the strategic waterway in the wake of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump has said he is “permanently opening” the Strait of Hormuz, claiming he is making the move for China “and the world.” Trump also said Beijing has agreed “not to send weapons to Iran.”

Iran could consider allowing ships to pass freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if the US offers concessions, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a source briefed by Tehran.

Hopes rose for renewed talks between the United States and Iran on Wednesday, as the U.S. military said its blockade of Iranian ports was in full effect and Tehran threatened to retaliate by strike targets across the war-weary region.

"Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the heinous crime of targeting and killing Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent Mohammed Wishah, following a strike on the vehicle in which he was travelling west of the Gaza Strip," the network said in a statement.

Iran announced alternative routes on Thursday for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the risk of sea mines in the main zone of the vital waterway.

The US, Iran, and regional mediators have been discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire, Axios reported on Sunday evening, citing four US, Israeli, and regional sources.

Iran said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to global shipping but “closed” to its enemies and their regional bases.

An Iranian strike that reportedly destroyed a depot of Ukrainian anti-drone systems in Dubai served as a “slap in the face” to Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, a Middle East expert has told RT.

US President Donald Trump reshared Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for Pakistan to host potential peace talks between the United States and Iran.