Iran accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire after Washington carried out what it described as defensive strikes in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on a possible deal to halt the conflict could still take several days.
Iran’s foreign ministry said U.S. strikes in the southern province of Hormozgan constituted a “gross violation” of the ceasefire that has largely held for nearly seven weeks.
The comments came after U.S. Central Command said it had targeted Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay naval mines as well as missile launch sites, describing the operation as necessary to protect American forces in the region.
The conflict, which erupted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, has disrupted global energy markets and sharply reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
Rubio, speaking to reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur, India, said freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured “one way or the other”.
Only a few dozen ships are currently transiting the waterway each day, compared with 125 to 140 vessels before the conflict began. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass through the strait.
Global benchmark Brent crude rose nearly 3% $98.91 per barrel following reports of the latest U.S. strikes.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in early April, tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high, with both sides accusing each other of provocations and violations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it retained the “legitimate and definitive” right to retaliate against any future ceasefire breaches.
