Washington/Islamabad (Reuters): Iran has seized two ships in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned military strikes against Tehran.
According to Iranian media, the vessels were taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over alleged maritime violations and escorted to Iranian territory. The move marks the first such seizure since the conflict began in late February.
Earlier in the day, a British maritime security agency reported that at least three commercial ships had come under attack in the same region, with one vessel sustaining significant damage to its bridge after being fired upon.
President Trump said the United States had agreed to pause military action following a request from Pakistani mediators, allowing time for diplomatic efforts. However, he maintained that the US naval blockade on Iranian trade routes would remain in place. In recent days, US forces have reportedly seized an Iranian cargo vessel and boarded a large oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.
Iran has condemned the blockade as an act of war and signaled it will continue restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical artery for global energy supplies—until the US eases pressure. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the waterway.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to push for dialogue between the two sides despite setbacks. Planned talks in Islamabad failed to materialize after neither delegation arrived, though officials say efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table are ongoing.
Initial reactions from Tehran to Washington’s pause in attacks have been cautious, with some officials expressing skepticism and suggesting the move could be tactical rather than a genuine step toward de-escalation.
The situation remains volatile, with sporadic attacks on shipping and no clear path yet toward renewed negotiations or a lasting ceasefire.
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