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 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on a possible deal to halt the conflict could still take several days.
US Strikes in Hormozgan
Iran’s foreign ministry said US 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 US 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.
Oil Prices Rise
The conflict, which erupted after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global energy markets. Global benchmark Brent crude rose nearly 3 percent on Tuesday to $98.91 per barrel following reports of the latest US strikes. Only a few dozen ships are currently transiting the Strait of Hormuz daily, compared with 125 to 140 vessels before the conflict began.
Rubio on Freedom of Navigation
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.” Despite the ceasefire that took effect in early April, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of provocations and violations.
Iran’s Retaliation Warning
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 US MQ-9 drone and fired at another drone and an F-35 fighter jet, though there was no immediate US confirmation.
Khamenei’s Remarks
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.”
Ongoing Negotiations
US 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. Iranian and US officials have 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 was in Doha on Monday for talks with Qatari mediators. More contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, would be negotiated in a later phase.
