Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Tuesday that Iran will not engage in negotiations for a final agreement as long as threats persist, emphasizing the terms outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. He highlighted the unity of millions of Iranians in honoring former Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Khamenei and stressed that neither the public nor Iran’s armed forces would be intimidated by external threats.
Araghchi specifically referenced Paragraph 13 of the MoU, urging Washington to uphold its commitments by respecting the agreement. He asserted that talks on a conclusive deal would not proceed while hostile actions continue.
Meanwhile, reports emerged on Monday night that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards allegedly fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping lanes. The attacks reportedly caused significant damage to two commercial ships, though no casualties were reported. This information was attributed to two US officials, heightening concerns over maritime security in the region.
In a related event, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker caught fire early Tuesday after being struck by an unidentified projectile approximately eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. The projectile hit the vessel’s port side, igniting a fire; however, no injuries or environmental harm were reported.
Verification of these incidents remains pending, as independent confirmation of the missile attacks and the identity of the targeted vessels has not been established. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has yet to comment on the allegations.
These developments have intensified worries about the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman responsible for transporting about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies. Despite an interim agreement that included commitments to safeguard civilian vessels, the area has remained vulnerable amid ongoing tensions triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The reported attacks come shortly after indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran concluded without a public breakthrough, despite a 60-day ceasefire intended to facilitate diplomatic progress. On Monday, US President Donald Trump reiterated the possibility of military action, warning that the US would either secure an agreement with Iran or “finish the job,” underscoring the high tension between the two nations.
Adding to the tension, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued maritime radio warnings over the weekend, stating their missiles and drones were “ready to fire.” The report, based on a recording obtained by the newspaper, identified one of the vessels struck as the LNG carrier Al Rekayyat, operated by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat). The vessel reportedly sustained damage near its engine room, causing a fire, though all crew members were safe.
Requests for comment from Nakilat, QatarEnergy, and Qatar’s International Media Office have not yet been answered.
