Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the US of opting for a "reckless military adventure" every time a "diplomatic solution is on the table," escalating rhetoric amid ongoing clashes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Araghchi declared that Iranians would "never bow to pressure," a day after both sides traded accusations of launching attacks in the waterway. "Is it a crude pressure tactic?" he asked. "Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS [US President Donald Trump] into another quagmire?"
Despite the confrontations, Trump claimed the ceasefire remains intact, intended to facilitate negotiations to end the war launched by the US and Israel in February. Iran is expected to respond to US proposals on Friday, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expressed hope for a "serious offer" during a visit to Italy.
On Thursday, US Central Command (Centcom) accused Iran of launching missiles, drones, and small boats against three US warships in what it termed an "unprovoked attack." Meanwhile, Iran's top military command alleged the US targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel near the Strait, as well as conducting "aerial attacks" on coastal areas.
Iran has been controlling the Strait and attacking US allies in the Gulf in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transits this crucial waterway; its blockage has sent prices soaring.
Trump initiated and then paused a US military operation to free some 2,000 vessels stranded in the area since February. The US also maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into accepting US terms.
A new flare-up was reported on Friday. "A cargo vessel near the waters of Minab was struck and caught fire," said Mohammad Radmehr, an official in Hormozgan province, to Iranian state news agency Mehr. Ten injured sailors were hospitalized, and search teams are trying to locate others.
The United Arab Emirates, a US ally bearing the brunt of Iranian attacks, reported that its air defense systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran, resulting in three moderate injuries.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that the US had destroyed multiple small boats, missiles, and drones, causing "great damage" to Iranian attackers. "Just like we knocked them out again today, we'll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don't get their Deal signed, FAST!"
Source: www.bbc.com