Authorities in Tehran have issued a warning of possible retaliation after US forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, describing the action as a breach of the ceasefire and an act of “maritime piracy”.
The incident has raised concerns over the stability of ongoing diplomatic efforts, casting uncertainty over a fresh round of negotiations scheduled to take place in Pakistan between the United States and Iran. The talks are aimed at extending the fragile truce, which is set to expire on Wednesday.
JD Vance, alongside senior US officials, is expected to travel to Pakistan for the discussions. However, Iran has yet to confirm its participation, with some state-affiliated media outlets indicating that Tehran may not attend.
Key issues remain unresolved in the negotiations, particularly disputes surrounding Iran’s uranium stockpiles, which contributed to the breakdown of earlier talks without an agreement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised Washington’s conduct during previous engagements, accusing the US of coercive and unreasonable actions. According to state media, he expressed growing doubts about the United States’ commitment to diplomacy and warned of a possible repeat of past actions that could “betray diplomacy.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump maintained that Washington has presented a “very fair and reasonable deal,” while cautioning that the US would “do what needs to be done” if the offer is declined.
The tanker was seized after reportedly attempting to bypass a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. US authorities stated that the vessel ignored repeated warnings issued by a Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman.
In a social media post, President Trump said the ship had been instructed to halt but failed to comply.
According to US officials, forces opened fire on the vessel after it crossed the designated blockade line without responding to multiple warnings, leading to its seizure.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage on X showing communication from a US mariner to the Iranian-flagged tanker, capturing moments before the interception of the vessel identified as Touska.
“Motor vessel Touska, Motor vessel Touska. Vacate your engine room. Vacate your engine room. We are about to subject you to disabling fire,” can be heard in the video. Later, three rounds are fired, leaving smoke in their wake.
CENTCOM said the vessel’s engine room was specifically targeted before US forces moved in to secure the ship. It added that the tanker was en route to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and had ignored repeated warnings over a six-hour period.
The USS Spruance subsequently fired on the vessel, after which US Marines boarded and took control.
“American forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportional manner to ensure compliance,” it wrote on X.
