- Web Desk
- 1 Hour ago
Iran says new US strikes violated ceasefire
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- Web Desk
- 5 Minutes ago
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran accused the United States on Tuesday of violating a fragile ceasefire after Washington carried out what it described as defensive strikes in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on a possible deal to halt the conflict could still take several days.
Iran’s foreign ministry said U.S. strikes in the southern province of Hormozgan constituted a “gross violation” of the ceasefire that has largely held for nearly seven weeks.
The comments came after U.S. Central Command said it had targeted Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay naval mines as well as missile launch sites, describing the operation as necessary to protect American forces in the region.
The conflict, which erupted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, has disrupted global energy markets and sharply reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
Rubio, speaking to reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur, India, said freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured “one way or the other”.
Only a few dozen ships are currently transiting the waterway each day, compared with 125 to 140 vessels before the conflict began. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass through the strait.
Global benchmark Brent crude rose nearly 3% on Tuesday to $98.91 per barrel following reports of the latest U.S. strikes.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in early April, tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high, with both sides accusing each other of provocations and violations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Tuesday it retained the “legitimate and definitive” right to retaliate against any future ceasefire breaches.
Iranian state media reported that Iranian air defence units had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone and fired at another drone and an F-35 fighter jet that allegedly entered Iranian airspace over the Gulf region. There was no immediate U.S. confirmation of the claims.
In remarks posted on Telegram during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said regional nations would no longer serve as “a shield for American bases”.
“The clock cannot be turned back,” Khamenei said. “From now on, the slogans ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel’ will be the slogans of the Islamic nation and oppressed people of the world, especially the youth.”
U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier said talks with Iran were progressing positively but warned that military action could intensify if negotiations collapsed.
“It will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also urged additional Arab and Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, to join the Abraham Accords aimed at normalising relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that normalisation with Israel would require a clear roadmap toward Palestinian statehood.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would intensify strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Israel’s military on Tuesday warned residents of the southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh to evacuate ahead of possible airstrikes.
Iranian and U.S. officials have meanwhile continued indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a memorandum of understanding that could halt fighting and eventually reopen shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf and other senior officials were in Doha on Monday for talks with Qatari mediators on a potential framework agreement, Iranian media reported.
According to Iranian sources, the proposed initial deal would include ending hostilities, establishing a temporary framework for maritime movement through Hormuz and possibly securing limited financial relief for Tehran.
More contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and the future of its enriched uranium stockpile, would be negotiated in a later phase.
Trump has repeatedly said his main objective is preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.
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