Iran-U.S. negotiations leave human‑rights abuses unaddressed, Hormuz control fuels oil market turmoil

The European Council adopted a resolution criticizing the recent U.S.–Iran diplomatic communiqué for omitting any reference to the Iranian regime’s widespread human‑rights violations, including executions, torture, and the use of the death penalty against protestors. The council urged European states to strengthen support for Iranian civil‑society activists and to demand the immediate release of detained individuals.

At the same time, Iranian officials announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control for the next 30 days, a key maritime route for more than 20 million barrels of oil per day. The move has heightened uncertainty in global energy markets and contributed to rising fuel prices that are influencing U.S. domestic politics, with the incumbent president’s popularity reportedly suffering as a result.