US and Iran Await Responses Amid Rising Tensions in the Gulf
WASHINGTON/CAIRO: The United States is anticipating a reply from Iran regarding its recent proposal to end the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, with expectations set for Friday. This comes as tensions escalate, with US and Iranian forces exchanging fire, and the United Arab Emirates facing renewed attacks.
Fighting has surged around the Strait of Hormuz recently, marking the most intense clashes since a ceasefire was established a month ago, despite indications that both Washington and Tehran are nearing a potential agreement.
“We should know something today,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in Rome. He expressed hope that a forthcoming response could initiate serious negotiations. Meanwhile, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson mentioned that Tehran is still considering its reply.
According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, there have been sporadic skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military sources later suggested that the situation had calmed but warned that more tensions could arise if US forces attempted to provoke Iranian vessels again.
Reports from the US military indicated they targeted two Iranian-linked vessels attempting to approach a port, forcing them to turn back after a US fighter jet struck their smokestacks.
Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping in the area since the conflict began, while the US imposed a blockade on Iranian vessels last month. In response to the rising tensions, oil prices have climbed, with Brent crude futures surpassing $101 a barrel, although they remain down over 6 percent for the week.
President Trump affirmed that the ceasefire is still in effect despite recent clashes. The US is awaiting Tehran’s response to its proposal aiming to formally conclude the war before addressing more contentious topics, including Iran’s nuclear program.
On Thursday, Trump reported that three US Navy destroyers were attacked while navigating the strait but sustained no damage, while significant harm was inflicted on the Iranian forces. He noted, “They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” while downplaying the incident to reporters.
Iran, however, accused the US of violating the ceasefire, which had been mainly upheld since its announcement on April 7, but faced strain after Trump’s naval mission announcement. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticized the US for opting for military actions when diplomatic solutions were at hand.
Iran’s military command reported that US forces struck an Iranian oil tanker and conducted airstrikes on civilian zones in the strait, prompting Iranian forces to retaliate against US military vessels.
Reports from the Iranian Mehr news agency indicated that one crew member was killed and several others were injured in a US Navy attack on an Iranian commercial ship near the vital energy passage, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
The confrontation has spilled beyond the maritime border, with the United Arab Emirates announcing its air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran, resulting in three moderate injuries.
Throughout the conflict, Iran has targeted the UAE and other Gulf nations that host US military bases. Following Trump’s announcement of a naval mission, dubbed “Project Freedom,” Iran escalated its attacks this week, intensifying the atmosphere of uncertainty.
The new US proposal aims to formally end the conflict before addressing major concerns, including Iran’s nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has acknowledged the proposal but has yet to reach a decision.
Trump stated that Tehran agreed to a fundamental condition regarding its nuclear weapons ambitions, asserting, “There’s zero chance” they will pursue a nuclear weapon, but added, “Let’s see if they are willing to sign it.” He speculated that a deal could happen at any time, although he acknowledged it might not.
