Rabat – Tensions between the US and Iran increased sharply this weekend after American forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
This has raised doubts about planned talks in Islamabad and threatens a fragile ceasefire.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it has no plans to join a new round of negotiations with Washington. The statement came hours after US President Donald Trump announced he would send a delegation to Pakistan for possible talks.
Iran strongly condemned the seizure of the vessel, calling it “armed piracy.” Military officials warned that Tehran would retaliate. The incident adds to growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that Iran has used as leverage during the war. The latter began after the US and Israel launched intense attacks on Iran in the middle of talks between Washington and Tehran.
The situation now threatens a ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday. The truce had paused more than a month of fighting between US and Israel forces, and Iran, but both sides accuse each other of violations.
Oil markets reacted quickly, with Brent crude prices jumping more than 7% in the wake of fears of supply disruptions and renewed conflict. Uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz is expected to lead to further price volatility in the coming days.
At the same time, signals about diplomacy are still mixed. While the US continues to push for talks, Iranian officials say Washington has already broken the ceasefire through military actions and a naval blockade. Iranian authorities also stated they cannot ignore past US attacks during earlier negotiations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan increased security ahead of the expected talks. Authorities deployed thousands of security personnel and sealed off key areas in the capital. However, it is still unclear whether Iranian representatives will attend.
Other global players reacted with concern. China criticized the US seizure of the ship and called for restraint, warning that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains “sensitive and complex.”
