Trump Accuses Iran of Violating Cease-Fire Agreement
President Donald Trump asserted on Sunday that Iran breached a cease-fire agreement with the United States by attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of potential retaliatory strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure unless the nation agrees to a deal aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict.
Diplomatic Tensions Heightened
Trump’s remarks followed a diplomatic stalemate as Iran reestablished a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. This action was taken in response to what Iran described as the United States’ ongoing naval blockade of its ports. This occurred just a day after Iran had declared the waterway “fully open” under the current cease-fire conditions.
Iran Targets Foreign Vessels
The President claimed that Iran was targeting ships from France and the United Kingdom but did not provide further details. Reports from maritime authorities indicated incidents of gunfire and projectile attacks aimed at Indian vessels in the strait, with Iranian state media confirming that shots were fired to compel two Indian ships to turn back.
New Blockades and Continued Threats
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that additional tankers flying the flags of Botswana and Angola were also ordered to retreat by Iranian forces over the weekend. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any ships attempting to navigate the strait would be considered cooperating with enemy forces and would face targeting.
Negotiations Planned Amid Escalating Tensions
Trump mentioned that negotiators would arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday night for direct discussions, following talks that took place over the weekend. A two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday. Iranian officials indicated they were considering a new U.S. proposal, although the confirmation of the following round of negotiations remains pending.
Iranian Confidence in Peace Talks Wanes
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, noting some progress while emphasizing a persistent distrust of U.S. officials. He stated that guarantees are necessary to prevent a cycle of war, cease-fires, and failed negotiations from repeating.
Escalation Fears and Military Preparations
Ghalibaf warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain blocked if the U.S. continued its military blockade and added, “If the cease-fire is not implemented, we will not continue negotiations and will start a war.” Meanwhile, Trump convened a Cabinet meeting to address the escalating situation, with multiple U.S. officials confirming the discussion’s focus on Iran.
International Calls for Peace
The Trump administration has maintained the blockade of Iranian ports, with reports indicating that over 20 vessels have been turned away since Monday. In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently co-chaired a 51-nation summit, where they demanded the “unconditional, unlimited, and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.” They also announced a joint neutrality mission aimed at assuring the safety of merchant vessels operating in the region.
