Iran’s top joint military command announced that Iran is preparing to retaliate against what it calls “armed maritime piracy” by the US military. This decision comes after American forces reportedly targeted an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disrupting its navigation system and boarding it with armed commandos. In response, Iran conducted drone attacks on US warships, prompting the US forces to withdraw.
US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to bypass a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, a US Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman disabled the vessel by damaging its engine room, leading to the US Marines taking control of the ship.
Iran’s official news sources reported that Iran has declined participation in the upcoming peace talks with the United States, citing the ongoing US “anti-Iran” naval blockade as a major obstacle to negotiations. The Iranian team emphasized that discussions with Washington will not proceed as long as the blockade remains in effect, highlighting the strained relations between the two countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the US blockade of Iran’s ports and coastline as “unlawful and criminal,” alleging that it violates the ceasefire agreement between the two nations. The situation underscores the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in the region.
