US Reports Striking Tankers Headed for Iranian Port
US strikes two more empty Iranian tankers even as diplomats haggle over a 30-day pause and nuclear guarantees, showing how quickly ceasefires unravel in the Strait of Hormuz.
American forces disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers Friday as they steamed toward an Iranian port, the latest escalation in a conflict both Washington and Tehran insist is still covered by an intact ceasefire.
The ships carried no oil, according to US Central Command, which reported the action one day after Iranian and American forces traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims the previous day’s clash started with a US strike on yet another tanker.
The timing could hardly be worse. Iranian officials had just confirmed they are studying a one-page American proposal to reopen the strait and halt fighting for 30 days while negotiators pursue a larger agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Washington expected Tehran’s answer Friday.
President Trump brushed off the exchanges as “a trifle” and told the Iranians to “sign their agreement fast.” Yet three senior Iranian officials identified the core impasse: Washington is demanding advance guarantees on Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium before any pause takes hold.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media that the United States chooses “a reckless military adventure” the moment diplomacy shows traction. The pattern is now familiar, talks gain momentum, then another strike resets the clock.
Whether the 30-day proposal survives these latest hits will decide if the two sides can still de-escalate before the next tanker heads for port.
Original reporting: Newser.
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