Iran has sharply criticized the United States after fresh military activity near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington keeps choosing military action even when diplomatic discussions remain possible.
In a statement shared on X, Araghchi said Iran would never surrender to pressure or threats. He questioned whether the latest American actions were part of a deliberate strategy or the result of misleading political influence on US President Donald Trump.
The exchange of accusations came after both countries blamed each other for recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, US forces reportedly targeted more Iranian vessels in nearby waters.
Despite the growing tensions, Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement still remains active. The ceasefire aims to create space for negotiations that could end the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is expected to respond soon to new American proposals. Speaking during a visit to Italy, Rubio expressed hope that Tehran would seriously consider the offer.
Iran has continued to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz while also targeting US allies in the Gulf region. The strategic waterway handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Concerns over disruptions in the area have already pushed global energy prices higher.
Earlier this week, Trump approved and later paused a military operation aimed at helping thousands of stranded vessels move through the region. Many ships have remained stuck since February due to ongoing security threats.
The United States has also maintained a naval blockade around Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting American conditions. Iranian officials strongly criticized the move and called it unlawful.
On Friday, US Central Command announced that American forces stopped two Iranian oil tankers from entering an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. According to the statement, US forces used precision strikes to disable the vessels after they allegedly violated the blockade.
American officials also claimed that more than 70 tankers are currently being prevented from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The latest incidents followed Thursday’s confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials accused Iran of launching drones, missiles, and small boat attacks against American warships. Iran’s military leadership rejected the accusation and instead claimed that US forces targeted Iranian ships and carried out airstrikes on coastal areas.
Reports from Iranian authorities said one cargo vessel near Minab caught fire during the attacks. The situation has further increased fears of a wider regional conflict and deeper instability in global energy markets.
