US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signalled a possible extension of the ongoing ceasefire with Iran and indicated that fresh negotiations could resume within 36–72 hours, subject to Tehran’s confirmation. Pakistan is mediating the process, with sources saying Islamabad has urged more time for Iran to submit a “unified proposal”. Trump said the extension was made at Pakistan’s request but reiterated that US naval pressure will continue, underscoring Washington’s parallel strategy of diplomacy and maritime coercion.
IRGC seizes vessels, including India-bound ship
In a sharp escalation at sea, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two merchant vessels: Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminodes, and diverted them to Iranian ports, state television reported.
Maritime tracking data showed Epaminodes was en route from Dubai to Mundra Port in Gujarat when intercepted, raising concerns over the widening reach of the confrontation into key India-linked trade routes. A third vessel, the Greek-owned Euphoria, was also targeted and left stranded along Iran’s coastline.
The IRGC claimed the ships were operating without “required authorisation” and had manipulated navigation systems, endangering maritime safety.
Also read: Iran rejects peace talks with US amid naval blockade
Gunfire reported in Strait of Hormuz
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that three merchant vessels came under fire near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. One ship sustained damage to its bridge after being hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, though no casualties were reported.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil supplies pass, remains a strategic pressure point where Iran retains significant military leverage.
US blockade, retaliation claims and oil disruptions
The latest incidents come amid an intensified US naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports and tightening economic pressure. Washington has linked the operation to broader efforts to force concessions at the negotiating table, while Tehran has made lifting the blockade a precondition for talks.
The current flare-up is widely viewed as a tit-for-tat escalation after US forces reportedly boarded and seized Iranian-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman earlier this month. Despite restrictions, shipping data indicates continued movement of Iran-linked tankers through contested waters, underscoring enforcement gaps and keeping global energy markets volatile.
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