US-Iran Tensions Build Over Hormuz As Peace Talks Stall

NDTV:

US and Iran tensions grew over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides maintaining their blockades of the critical waterway, creating an uneasy standoff with no sign of peace talks on the horizon.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the US Navy to shoot any boat putting mines in the strait, while the military said it intercepted two oil supertankers that tried to evade restrictions on traffic to and from Iran’s ports.

US forces boarded a “sanctioned stateless vessel” transporting oil from Iran in the Indian Ocean overnight, the Pentagon said.

Later, an Iranian ship carrying rice safely passed through the Sea of Oman and reached Iran after being escorted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the country’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported. It said the US Navy attempted to seize the vessel.

US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump said on Thursday that if Iran is unable to move oil, its infrastructure will explode, while adding that Tehran still wants a deal and that US officials remain in contact with the country.