Iran warns of catastrophic consequences over alleged US ceasefire breach amid Hormuz tensions
Tensions between Iran and the United States escalated further on Saturday after Tehran warned of “catastrophic consequences” over what it described as repeated American violations of the ceasefire near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, accused the US of breaching the truce through military actions in the strategic maritime region, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
The warning came as clashes in and around the Strait of Hormuz continued despite a fragile month-long ceasefire between the two sides.
Meanwhile, an Indian sailor was killed and several others injured after a wooden dhow carrying general cargo caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.
According to government sources quoted by PTI, 17 Indian crew members were rescued after the vessel caught fire and later capsized near the crucial shipping route.
Officials said the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The crew members were rescued by another vessel passing through the area.
The incident occurred amid rising hostilities between Iran and the US in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Amid the ongoing tensions, reports suggested that the United States and Iran could resume negotiations in Islamabad as early as next week.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, both countries are discussing a proposed 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at laying the foundation for a month-long negotiation process to end the conflict.
The proposed framework reportedly includes discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, de-escalation measures in the Strait of Hormuz, and possible arrangements involving Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
However, major disagreements reportedly remain unresolved, especially regarding sanctions relief for Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was expecting a formal response from Tehran regarding the latest American proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
At the same time, Reuters reported that recent clashes marked some of the biggest flare-ups since the ceasefire began a month ago, with both countries continuing to exchange fire in the Gulf region.
Iran has also reportedly introduced new transit protocols for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to obtain permits through the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
The ongoing confrontation has intensified fears of disruption to global oil supplies, with energy prices witnessing sharp fluctuations amid uncertainty over maritime security in the region.
