Iran allows ‘non-hostile’ ships through Strait of Hormuz (PHOTOS/VIDEOS)

US and Israeli vessels, as well as those that support the “aggression” against Iran, are not welcome, officials in Tehran have said

Iranian officials have signaled that “non-hostile” ships are free to sail through the Strait of Hormuz on condition that they are in no way linked to the “aggression” against Iran – adding, however, that passage must be coordinated with the authorities.

Despite the message, Middle East tensions show no signs of abating, as the Pentagon has officially issued orders for around 2,000 elite troops from the army’s 82nd Airborne Division to deploy within “striking distance” of Iran, according to US officials cited by the Washington Post and the New York Times.

An additional 2,500 marines are scheduled to arrive later this week to reinforce a potential ground operation, which the media has long speculated could include seizing Iran’s main oil export hub on Kharg Island.

Senior Iranian military adviser Ali-Akbar Ahmadian previously dared US soldiers to “come closer,” warning that the Iranian armed forces have “trained in asymmetrical warfare” for decades.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking an off-ramp from the war, with a list of 15 peace proposals. Tehran has thus far rejected backchannel talks with Washington.

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Here are the latest developments:

• President Trump claimed the US has already “won” and ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran are the reason why he postponed military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days.

• Israel’s Channel 12 has reported that Trump’s 15-point proposal demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear and missile programs, abandon its regional proxy network, and open the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted maritime passage. In exchange, Tehran would allegedly receive a full lifting of international sanctions, assistance with its civilian nuclear program, and the removal of the “snapback” sanction mechanism.

• “We negotiate with bombs,” US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said about the Pentagon's role in the alleged behind-the-scenes talks.

• Tehran has denied that talks with the US are taking place, with Iran’s parliamentary speaker saying such claims are “fake news” and are being “used to manipulate financial and oil markets.” Oil prices fell more than 5% on Wednesday morning.

Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates. You can also read our previous updates here.