Iran has sharply accused the United States of pursuing a “reckless military adventure” despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of conflict in the Gulf region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in a strongly worded statement posted on X on Friday, escalating tensions further after both countries exchanged accusations over fresh military confrontations in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to Araghchi, Iran would “never bow to pressure” from Washington, accusing the US of repeatedly turning to military action whenever diplomacy appears close to progress.
“Is it a crude pressure tactic?” Araghchi questioned. “Or the result of a spoiler once again duping POTUS into another quagmire?”
The comments came just hours after the US military announced new strikes targeting Iranian vessels in the Gulf of Oman, further straining a fragile ceasefire brokered earlier this week.
Tensions Rise Despite Ceasefire
Although clashes continued in the Gulf waters, US President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire agreement between the parties remained intact.
The ceasefire was intended to create room for negotiations aimed at ending the war launched earlier this year involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking during a visit to Italy, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was awaiting Tehran’s official response to American proposals expected later on Friday.
“I hope it’s a serious offer, I really do,” Rubio stated.
Diplomatic observers fear that renewed military exchanges could derail the already fragile peace process.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Global Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz has become the central battleground in the ongoing confrontation due to its enormous importance to global energy supplies.
Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.
Iran has reportedly tightened control over the route while also targeting US allies in the Gulf region in retaliation for continued American and Israeli military operations.
The tensions have disrupted international shipping and sent global oil prices soaring as thousands of vessels remain stranded in the region.
Earlier this week, Trump ordered — and later paused — a major US military operation aimed at freeing nearly 2,000 commercial vessels trapped near the Strait since February.
US Launches New Attacks on Iranian Vessels
On Friday, the United States Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that US forces had targeted two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to enter an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.
According to Centcom, the vessels were violating an ongoing US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into accepting American demands.
US forces reportedly fired “precision munitions” at the tankers’ smokestacks, preventing them from docking.
The tankers were said to be unladen at the time of the incident.
The latest strikes followed another confrontation on Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz, where both nations accused each other of initiating attacks.
US and Iran Exchange Accusations
Centcom accused Iran of launching drones, missiles, and small attack boats against three US warships operating in the region, describing the action as an “unprovoked attack.”
However, Iran’s military leadership strongly rejected the accusation and instead claimed US forces had attacked Iranian vessels and carried out airstrikes on several coastal regions near the Strait.
Iranian officials said one cargo vessel caught fire near the coastal waters of Minab following the attacks.
According to Mohammad Radmehr, a senior official in Hormozgan Province, at least ten injured sailors were transferred to hospital while rescue teams continued searching for other missing crew members.
The incident has raised fears of a wider regional conflict that could heavily impact international trade and energy markets.
Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Iran
President Trump took to Truth Social overnight to praise US military operations in the Gulf, claiming American forces had inflicted “great damage” on Iranian attackers.
According to Trump, US forces destroyed multiple Iranian drones, missiles, and small boats during the latest confrontation.
“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!” Trump wrote.
His remarks are likely to further inflame tensions with Tehran as both sides continue military and diplomatic manoeuvres simultaneously.
Global Concerns Grow Over Oil Supply Disruptions
The continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz has alarmed global markets due to fears of prolonged disruptions to oil and gas supplies.
Energy analysts warn that any full blockade of the Strait could trigger major increases in fuel prices worldwide and worsen inflation pressures across several economies.
Shipping companies have also expressed concern over growing risks to commercial vessels operating near the Gulf waters.
With both sides exchanging military strikes while still publicly supporting diplomacy, international observers fear the situation could quickly spiral into a broader regional conflict if negotiations collapse.