Tehran/Washington — Tensions in West Asia have surged to a critical tipping point as the fragile seven-week-old US-Iran ceasefire faces imminent collapse. Following fresh American military strikes targeting coastal positions, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Islamic Republic is actively mobilizing for renewed conflict.

In an official statement, Tehran sharply criticized diplomatic efforts, stating that recent US actions explicitly expose Washington's "dishonesty and unreliability," rendering any bilateral trust impossible. As both nations posture for a potential escalation, Iran has openly identified the Strait of Hormuz as its ultimate strategic weapon to leverage against Western pressure.

The Breakdown of Trust and Fragile Ceasefire

The sudden escalation comes amid ongoing, sensitive diplomatic negotiations in Doha aimed at solidifying a permanent truce. However, overnight "self-defense strikes" conducted by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) near the critical port city of Bandar Abbas have derailed the goodwill.

According to US intelligence and military analysts, Iranian forces had initiated hostile maneuvers—including moving drone launch systems and deploying speedboats intended for naval mine-laying operations—just 24 hours prior to the American strikes.

Iran's newly established leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has doubled down on an uncompromising stance, asserting that anti-US and anti-Israel strategies will continue to dictate the state's foreign policy. Tehran maintains that the US strikes violated the existing truce, proving that America cannot be trusted to uphold international memorandums.

Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz: A Global Chokepoint

With a major land or air conflict posing significant risks, Iran has re-pivoted toward its most lethal geographic asset: the Strait of Hormuz.

• Global Energy Chokepoint: The narrow waterway accommodates nearly 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and petroleum liquid consumption, making it the absolute artery of global energy markets.

• Asserting Sovereignty: The IRGC recently claimed that it intercepted hostile US drones over the Gulf and forced Western naval assets to acknowledge Iranian territorial authority. It declared that 25 commercial vessels were allowed to cross the channel exclusively under Iranian coordination and "security protection."

• The Mine-Laying Threat: Western defense officials remain highly alarmed by Iran's "residual capabilities"—specifically its fleet of fast-attack craft equipped to rapidly deploy anti-ship mines, which could effectively shutter the strait and hold global shipping hostage.

Sticking Points in the Doha Peace Talks

While US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stated that a broader 30-day framework agreement to reopen shipping channels is still "a few days" within reach, major obstacles remain:

1. Frozen Funds: Iran is aggressively demanding the immediate release of approximately $24 billion in frozen assets as a prerequisite to any maritime de-escalation.

2. The Nuclear Dilemma: The US administration insists that any long-term pact must address Iran’s uranium enrichment program. However, Iran’s current defense decision-makers, including IRGC leadership, refuse to make concessions regarding their nuclear threshold capabilities.

Global Fallout: Skyrocketing Oil Prices

The international community has immediately felt the tremors of the deteriorating situation. Following the latest military exchanges at the Strait, global energy markets reacted violently, with Brent crude prices surging by over 3.5%, climbing rapidly toward the $100-per-barrel mark. Financial analysts warn that if Iran executes its threat to close or severely disrupt traffic through Hormuz, global inflation could spiral out of control, triggering a severe energy crisis.

A consensus to halt the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States could be reached today. According to a report by *The Times of Israel*, Pakistan has submitted a ceasefire proposal to both nations.

Pakistan has tentatively dubbed this arrangement the "Islamabad Accord," which is structured into two phases. The first phase entails the immediate implementation of a ceasefire, while the second phase involves finalizing a comprehensive agreement within 15 to 20 days.

Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir, engaged in overnight discussions with American and Iranian leaders. The proposal also includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, thereby facilitating the normalization of global oil supplies.

Earlier, the U.S. media outlet *Axios* reported that a 45-day ceasefire could be implemented between the two nations, during which negotiations for a permanent peace accord would take place. Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are playing the role of mediators in these discussions. The next 48 hours are considered the final window of opportunity for this deal.

**Iran Threatens to Disrupt Global Supplies**

Iran has issued a threat to disrupt global supply chains should attacks by the United States and Israel escalate. According to a report by *Al Jazeera*, Iran has stated that it could target other maritime routes in addition to the Strait of Hormuz.

Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, asserted that any major hostile action would be met with a response that extends beyond the military sphere, impacting global energy markets and trade.

He warned that not only the Strait of Hormuz but also other critical maritime arteries—such as the Bab-el-Mandeb—could be placed at risk.

This statement comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe repercussions should it fail to comply.

Prior to this, Yemen's Houthi rebels—widely regarded as close allies of Iran—had already signaled their intent to launch attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Trump Threatens to Plunge Iran into Hellish Conditions

Calling Iran "bastards," Trump threatened to launch a major attack if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. He stated that if Iran fails to open the Strait of Hormuz, he will turn the country into a living hell. Furthermore, he spoke of targeting power plants and bridges within Iran.

Writing on social media on Sunday, Trump declared that Tuesday would simultaneously be "Power Plant Day" and "Bridge Day" in Iran—signaling that attacks would take place. He warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or else it would face hellish consequences.

Iran Refuses to Reopen Hormuz in Exchange for a Temporary Ceasefire

Iran has stated that it is unwilling to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Speaking to Reuters, a senior Iranian official noted that while Pakistan's proposal is currently under review, no decision will be made under duress.

According to the official, Tehran will not offer any concessions—nor will it reopen the Strait of Hormuz—in exchange for a "temporary ceasefire." He added that Iran believes the United States is not prepared for a permanent ceasefire; therefore, a temporary arrangement would be meaningless.

The official confirmed that a proposal for an immediate ceasefire had been received from Pakistan and is currently being considered.

Iran Declares: Hormuz Safe for Friendly Nations, Including India

Iran has affirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed for the vessels of friendly nations, including India. However, the route remains closed to those nations currently engaged in hostilities against Iran.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated that numerous Indian vessels have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days—a fact that underscores Iran's commitment to ensuring safe passage.

Additionally, Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz does not constitute international waters, but rather falls within the territorial control of Iran and Oman.