Government in contact with stranded Croatian sailors

The prime minister addressed the situation of roughly 200 Croatian sailors currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing conflict, closures, and blockades. 

He stated that the government is in contact with them and prepared to assist if necessary.

"All of them have been offered assistance should they wish to leave the Gulf and return to their homes. However, given their contractual obligations to employers, they remain on their respective ships for now. We are in continuous contact with them, and our offer to help stands. Should anyone's position change, we will activate the mechanisms at our disposal. As we did with our citizens at the beginning of the crisis, and with our soldiers, we will show the same level of care for our sailors," Plenković said.

Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it will remain shut as long as the U.S. blockade is in place. President Donald Trump has insisted the blockade will continue until a deal is reached with Iran. The escalation now threatens ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

A temporary truce is set to expire this Wednesday, and Iran has rejected a new round of talks scheduled in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, said Tehran sees no serious commitment from Washington.

"There have been numerous warnings that the United States is not serious about advancing diplomacy. Instead, theirs is a diplomacy of issuing orders," he said.