US fires on and disables 2 more Iranian tankers as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces fired on and disabled two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, following an exchange of fire with Iranian forces overnight. The Pentagon stated the tankers were attempting to breach a U.S.-imposed blockade of Iran’s ports, while earlier in the week, an American military jet had already disabled another tanker under similar circumstances. The U.S. military also thwarted Iranian attacks on three Navy ships and struck Iranian military facilities in response, with no American ships hit. The escalation raises doubts about a month-old ceasefire, which the U.S. insists remains in effect while awaiting Iran’s response to a proposed deal to end the conflict, reopen the strait, and roll back Tehran’s nuclear program. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a serious Iranian offer, while President Donald Trump reiterated threats of full-scale bombing if Iran rejects the agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strikes as hostile, violating the ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of prioritizing military action over diplomacy. Meanwhile, a cargo vessel caught fire after a U.S. strike overnight, killing at least one sailor and injuring 10, according to Iranian state media. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported three people wounded after intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, though it was unclear if all were successfully stopped. Satellite images reviewed by the Associated Press showed an apparent oil slick near Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, suggesting potential environmental damage. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated his country has been mediating between the U.S. and Iran to extend the ceasefire and reach a peace deal. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy, has been largely blocked by Iran since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on February 28, causing fuel price spikes and market instability.