The US military seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in international waters on Tuesday, escalating pressure ahead of a pivotal truce deadline. The Tifani, capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude, was boarded without incident near Sri Lanka, MarineTraffic data shows. Washington framed the move as a crackdown on illicit networks, while Tehran warned it violated the fragile ceasefire.
“We will pursue global maritime enforcement to disrupt sanctioned vessels supporting Iran—wherever they sail,” US Central Command stated. President Trump accused Iran of multiple ceasefire breaches, though no further details were provided. Iranian officials remained silent on the seizure, but the blockade complicates fragile peace talks.
Tehran Weighs Last-Ditch Negotiations in Islamabad
With the two-week truce expiring Wednesday, diplomats face a narrowing window, with Pakistani officials confirming talks would proceed only if delegations arrived by Wednesday, leaving hours to avert war. A Pakistani source told Reuters momentum existed for resumed negotiations, with US Vice President JD Vance expected in Islamabad.
Iran has dangled participation on conditions: recognition of its uranium enrichment rights. A senior Iranian official called Trump’s terms a bid to “turn the negotiating table into a table of submission.” Meanwhile, Iran’s military vowed a “decisive response” to renewed hostilities after Trump threatened strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The seizure caps a week of escalating tensions, as Iran had briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz, critical for 20 million barrels of daily oil traffic, only to reverse course after Trump refused to lift port blockades. Iran’s navy escorted a tanker into its waters on Monday, defying US warnings.
