Ship Runs Aground in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Route Dispute

A foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after it failed to follow a route approved by Iran, according to Iranian state television on Wednesday.

The report identified the vessel as a foreign container ship but did not provide details about its name, ownership, destination, or cargo.

Iranian state television said the ship became stranded after choosing a route through shallow waters instead of following the path directed by Iranian authorities. The vessel was reportedly unable to continue its journey because of the grounding.

Iran Repeats Its Claim Over Shipping Routes

The report appeared to reinforce Iran's position following the recent U.S.-Iran war that it controls navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been regarded internationally as an international waterway. During peacetime, about one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas supplies pass through the strategic shipping lane.

Iranian state television said ship operators must follow instructions issued by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard when entering or leaving the strait.

According to the report, the Revolutionary Guard's navy has repeatedly warned captains, shipowners, and shipping companies that using any route other than the designated "Route of Authority" in the Persian Gulf could lead to serious consequences.

Read More: Oman Proposes Voluntary Strait of Hormuz Transit Fee, US Raises Concerns

The report also referred to two vessels that Iran attacked in recent days after they attempted to pass through the strait without Iranian permission. One of those ships was transporting crude oil from Qatar.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Issue in Negotiations

The shipping incident comes as negotiations continue over the future of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under an interim agreement, Iran and the United States agreed to allow ships to pass through the strait without charges for 60 days. However, Iran has maintained that it should control vessel routes and eventually collect transit fees.

The United States and several Gulf Arab countries have rejected the proposal to charge ships for passage.

Meanwhile, an effort by Oman and a United Nations agency to establish a new shipping route closer to Oman's coastline was followed by attacks across the Middle East over the weekend, highlighting continuing regional tensions.

US Officials Hold Talks in Qatar

The incident also occurred while U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, were in Doha, Qatar, for discussions aimed at securing a permanent end to the Iran war.

According to two regional officials who spoke anonymously because the negotiations are taking place behind closed doors, technical-level diplomatic talks began on Wednesday.

Negotiators are working to resolve detailed issues before senior leaders attempt to finalize an agreement. However, disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon remain major obstacles.

Iran did not immediately confirm that the negotiations had begun.

Qatar Confirms Meeting With US Delegation

Qatar acknowledged that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with the country's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, early Wednesday.

According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on the interim agreement and ongoing efforts to improve regional security and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

The discussions also covered Lebanon, another important issue in negotiations. Iran has insisted that fighting between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group and Israeli forces must end completely.

Iran has also demanded that Israel withdraw from territory it currently controls in southern Lebanon. Israel maintains that it must keep control of the area and retain the ability to carry out military operations against Hezbollah, which has continued launching attacks into northern Israel.

Iran Says Dialogue Continues but Warns of War

Iranian authorities did not officially acknowledge the talks on Wednesday.

However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who is involved in the negotiations, told Iranian state television that efforts to reach a permanent end to the conflict are continuing.

He said, "We are engaged in dialogue, but if they refuse to implement what has been agreed through dialogue, we are prepared for war."

More Ships Successfully Leave the Strait

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz declined after attacks over the weekend, but several countries reported that many of their vessels have now exited safely.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry said that 10 of its 11 Thai-flagged vessels, or ships operated by Thai companies, have safely departed the strait.

South Korean officials also said that all but two of the country's 26 vessels that had been stranded have now left the area safely.

Iraq Shoots Down Drone Over Baghdad

Separately on Wednesday, Iraqi security forces shot down a small drone over Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

Two Iraqi security officials, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the drone was unarmed and was likely being used for surveillance. No group immediately claimed responsibility for operating it.

Following the outbreak of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran in late February, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq carried out repeated attacks on U.S. military and diplomatic facilities.

Officials said the drone incident marked the first security event in Baghdad since the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire.