Dhaka, April 19 -- Iran has said it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz to full international shipping unless the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, escalating tensions in an already volatile Middle East.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said no date has been set for a new round of face-to-face negotiations with Washington, criticising the US for maintaining what he described as "maximalist" demands in the ongoing standoff.

On the other side, US President Donald Trump signalled no immediate shift in policy, stating that the naval blockade would remain in force until a deal is reached. He also warned that Washington would not be "blackmailed" by Tehran, underscoring the widening gap betwe...