Iran has accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire following US military strikes in southern Iran. The US described these actions as defensive operations targeting Iranian naval and missile assets. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that negotiations to reach a possible agreement to halt the conflict could still take several days.
The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the US strikes in Hormozgan province as a serious breach of the ceasefire, which had largely held for nearly seven weeks. This statement came shortly after the US Central Command announced it had targeted Iranian boats suspected of laying naval mines and missile launch sites, asserting the necessity of the operation to protect American forces in the region.
The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, severely disrupting global energy markets and sharply reducing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Currently, only a few dozen vessels pass through the strait daily, compared to 125 to 140 before the conflict. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically transit this waterway.
Rubio, speaking from Jaipur, India, emphasized that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would be maintained “one way or the other.” Following news of the US strikes, Brent crude oil prices surged nearly 3% to $98.91 per barrel on Tuesday.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in early April, tensions between Tehran and Washington remain elevated, with both sides accusing each other of provocations and violations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared it retains the “legitimate and definitive” right to respond to any future breaches of the ceasefire.
Iranian state media reported that Iranian air defense units shot down a US MQ-9 drone and fired at another drone and an F-35 fighter jet that allegedly entered Iranian airspace over the Gulf region. There has been no immediate confirmation from the US regarding these claims.
In a significant development during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that regional countries would no longer act as “a shield for American bases.” He asserted that slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” would continue to resonate among the Islamic nation and oppressed peoples worldwide, especially the youth.
US President Donald Trump earlier expressed optimism about ongoing talks with Iran but warned that military action could escalate if negotiations fail. He stated on Truth Social that any outcome would be “a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all.” Trump also encouraged more Arab and Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia, to join the Abraham Accords aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia, however, has maintained that normalization requires a clear roadmap toward Palestinian statehood.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. Israel’s military warned residents of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of potential airstrikes.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Iranian and US officials continue, aiming to establish a memorandum of understanding to halt hostilities and reopen shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf and senior officials met with Qatari mediators in Doha to discuss a potential framework agreement.
The proposed initial deal reportedly includes ending hostilities, setting a temporary framework for maritime movement through Hormuz, and possibly securing limited financial relief for Tehran. More complex issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program and the fate of its enriched uranium stockpile, are expected to be addressed in subsequent negotiations.
Trump has consistently emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains his primary goal, while Tehran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes only.
