No signs of an imminent end to the war against Iran
Washington is still awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposal that could formally end the war before engaging in talks on more complex issues, such as Iran’s nuclear program.
The crisis between Washington and Tehran remains at a standstill amid field escalation. While uncertainty surrounds the fate of the fragile ceasefire, U.S. intelligence assessments have highlighted Tehran’s ability to adapt to a prolonged maritime blockade, weakening expectations of a swift resolution to the conflict, which has now entered its tenth week.
The Trump administration is awaiting Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal that would formally end the war before opening discussions on more complex matters, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday during a visit to Rome that the United States expected a response that day. However, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country was still considering how to respond.
Clashes test the ceasefire
The semi-official Fars news agency reported that sporadic clashes continued on Friday between Iranian forces and U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim later quoted an Iranian military source as saying the situation had calmed, while warning of the possibility of renewed clashes.
The U.S. military said it struck two vessels linked to Tehran that were attempting to enter an Iranian port. A U.S. fighter jet targeted the ships’ smokestacks, forcing them to turn back.
Since the war began on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes across Iran, Tehran has largely prevented non-Iranian ships from passing through the strait. Before the war, one-fifth of global oil supplies transited this narrow waterway.
On Thursday, Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire announced on April 7 remained in effect despite escalating clashes, while Iran accused the United States of violating it.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Whenever a diplomatic solution is proposed, the United States chooses a reckless military adventure.” The Mehr news agency reported that one crew member was killed, ten others were injured, and six were missing after a U.S. naval attack on an Iranian commercial vessel late Thursday night.
The United States has found little international support in this conflict. After meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Marco Rubio questioned why Italy and other allies were not supporting Washington’s efforts to reopen the strait, warning that allowing Tehran to control an international maritime passage would create a dangerous and unprecedented situation.
