[Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister: Strait of Hormuz Not Closed, Negotiations Require Conditional Progress] BlockBeats News, April 9, according to British ITV News, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister made the latest statements on two major focal issues on April 9: The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister denied the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the strait remains open to all civilian vessels and that related reports are inaccurate. However, he pointed out that due to leftover naval mines from past wars, passing vessels must contact Iranian authorities in advance to obtain safe route guidance. Those who have communicated with Iranian authorities have already received passage permits. The Iranian delegation will travel to Islamabad to participate in peace talks, but only on the condition that Israel halts its attacks on Lebanon. The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that any regional peace agreement must include Lebanon, stating, "The next few hours will be critical." He also revealed that Iran was on the verge of taking retaliatory action last night but ultimately chose restraint in consideration of advancing diplomacy, especially as the U.S. has already urged Israel to cease fire. Currently, Iran is still leaving room for negotiations but has made its stance clear: a ceasefire in Lebanon is the ticket to the table. The direction of the situation in the coming hours will directly determine whether the Islamabad talks can proceed as scheduled.