Iran's Military Promises Quick Retaliation After US Seizes Tanker

Tensions Rise as US Seizes Iranian-Flagged Vessel

Washington: Iran's military has declared it will respond decisively following the US capture of an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, as reported by state media on Sunday.

The military's command stated that the US forces' actions, including the boarding of the vessel, constituted a breach of the ceasefire and labeled it as an act of piracy, according to Iran's state broadcaster.

The US Navy reportedly intercepted and seized the Iranian cargo ship, claiming it attempted to bypass a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. The US asserted that it fired upon the vessel after it failed to heed multiple warnings.

In a related development, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi communicated with his Pakistani counterpart, expressing that the US's demands during negotiations and threats towards Iranian maritime activities reflect America's insincerity.

These comments were made during a phone call with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as per Iranian state media.

This incident further escalates the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially with the ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday. It may also disrupt the planned US-Iran discussions scheduled to take place in Islamabad this week.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that American negotiators would travel to Pakistan on Monday for further discussions with Iran.

There has been no official response from Iranian representatives regarding Trump's announcement.

However, Iranian state media, citing unnamed sources, suggested on Sunday that the talks might not proceed, coinciding with the US's announcement of the tanker seizure.

Additionally, the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported on President Masoud Pezeshkian's conversation with Pakistan's Prime Minister, where he accused the US of bullying and unreasonable conduct during negotiations and the ceasefire.

The report indicated that Pezeshkian cautioned that the US's actions and threatening language have heightened skepticism among Iranian officials regarding America's commitment to genuine diplomacy and the risk of repeating past betrayals.

The report did not clarify whether Iran's president addressed the potential second round of talks in Pakistan or commented on Trump's announcement regarding the seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel.