Iran keeps US waiting for response on ceasefire plan
Iran questioned the seriousness of US diplomacy and delayed a response to Washington’s latest ceasefire proposal amid renewed naval clashes in the Gulf, while tensions with Israel-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon escalate. A US fighter jet disabled two Iranian tankers on Friday, triggering Iranian military strikes, and an oil slick near Iran’s Kharg Island raised concerns about environmental and economic impacts.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized US diplomacy on Saturday, accusing Washington of undermining trust after renewed naval clashes in the Gulf. Tehran has yet to publicly respond to a US ceasefire proposal sent via Pakistani mediators, despite President Donald Trump’s claim he expected an answer "supposedly tonight." Araghchi questioned US motives, citing recent escalations, including a US fighter jet attack on two Iranian-flagged tankers on Friday, which Iran’s military said prompted retaliatory strikes. The incident followed a previous clash in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route Iran seeks to control. The US rejects Iran’s attempts to dominate the strait, which has caused market turmoil and surging oil prices since Iran partially closed it in late February. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington to discuss Pakistani-led peace efforts, amid Iran’s past attacks on Qatar linked to its hosting of a major US air base. Satellite images revealed an oil slick off Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, covering over 20 square miles. The Conflict and Environment Observatory noted the slick had reduced by Saturday but suggested leaking infrastructure may have caused it. Kharg Island remains vital to Iran’s economy, which has faced strain since the conflict began on February 28. The US continues to push for a truce extension to negotiate a final settlement, though Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said the proposal remains under review.
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