On May 6 (local time), The Guardian reported that the US military fired at an Iranian-flagged oil tanker, shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum, demanding Tehran accept an agreement to end the conflict.
According to the US Central Command, a US fighter jet fired multiple rounds of ammunition and damaged the rudder of the oil tanker when the ship tried to bypass Washington's blockade of Iranian ports.
The incident occurred in the context of Mr. Trump's statement on the social network Truth Social that Iran needs to agree to the agreement being discussed. Otherwise, airstrikes against Iran will be resumed with "much higher levels and intensities than before".
Mr. Trump mentioned the Epic Fury military campaign, launched by the US and Israel against Iran in February. The US President said this campaign could end if Tehran accepts the proposed contents.
On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for "all scenarios". Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the US of trying to force Tehran to surrender through naval blockades, economic pressure and media.
Previously, Axios reported that the US and Iran were approaching a short-term framework agreement, consisting of about 14 points, to end the war and pave the way for more detailed negotiations. According to sources, Washington is waiting for responses from Tehran on some key points within 48 hours, although no content has been fully agreed upon.
Pakistani officials told The Guardian that an initial framework could be reached within 48 hours, but negotiations are still difficult and uncertain. A senior Pakistani political source said the focus now is to achieve a long-term ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in at least 60 days.
Currently, more than 800 ships and about 20,000 sailors are still trapped in the west of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran once threatened to deploy naval mines, drones, missiles and fast attack ships, putting commercial maritime activities through this area at great risk.
President Trump previously suspended Operation Freedom indefinitely, a plan to escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he affirmed that the blockade of Iranian ports is still maintained to put pressure on negotiations.
New developments have caused oil prices to fluctuate sharply. Many observers believe that the gap between the US and Iran is still large, while sources in Pakistan believe that the possibility of reaching an agreement is still uncertain because the two sides continue to lack trust.
