Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran has issued a strong warning of reciprocal action following recent maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling rising tensions with the United States amid a fragile ceasefire.
An Iranian lawmaker, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran would adopt a policy of “eye for an eye, tanker for tanker,” without directly naming the United States. His remarks came after Iranian forces reportedly opened fire on and stopped two vessels for what authorities described as violations of maritime regulations.
Iranian state-affiliated media said the action was taken under the enforcement of maritime laws, while analysts view it as a response to a recent US move to intercept and seize a vessel linked to Iran in the same strategic waterway.
Posting on social media in Persian, Rezaei warned that Iran would not remain silent against what he described as “so-called maritime piracy,” adding that Tehran had previously delivered a “decisive response” during recent hostilities and would do so again if required.
The developments come as a 20-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States, brokered with Pakistan’s mediation, nears its end. Diplomatic efforts to hold a second round of negotiations in Islamabad have stalled after Iran declined to participate, accusing Washington of violating the truce and maintaining a naval blockade.
US President Donald Trump had earlier expressed optimism about talks resuming, even announcing plans for a delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance to travel to Pakistan. However, the visit was postponed after Tehran refused to join the negotiations.
Despite the setback, Washington has extended the ceasefire while maintaining the blockade, with Trump stating that military action would be avoided at the request of Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy chokepoint, and any escalation in the region could have far-reaching consequences for international shipping and oil markets.
