UAE foreign ministry said using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for coercion or extortion constitutes piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Cook's lawyer said they will challenge the latest pretext and defend Cook's position and duties at the Federal Reserve.

On Aug. 7 a U.S. official said Oman and Iran have made progress on the Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach an agreement soon. If an agreement is announced to restore unimpeded commercial shipping, the U.S. will lift its blockade on Iranian ports, but U.S. actions will remain conditional on Iran’s actual performance and fulfillment of commitments. Iran and Oman had no immediate comment.