Two Commercial Ships Reportedly Struck By Gunfire In Strait of Hormuz As Iran Restores Controls

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply on Saturday after at least two merchant vessels reportedly came under gunfire while attempting to pass through the strategically vital waterway, according to Reuters, which cited maritime security and shipping sources. The incidents came amid renewed Iranian restrictions on the strait and a continuing standoff with the United States over maritime access and the broader conflict.

Merchant vessels, tanker face security scare in Strait of Hormuz

According to Reuters, at least two commercial ships said they were struck by gunfire while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes. The immediate extent of the damage or operational impact was not clear.

Separately, the British military said two gunboats linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard opened fire at a tanker transiting the strait shortly after Tehran announced fresh controls on the waterway.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said the incident occurred around 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. It added that the tanker and all crew members were safe despite the encounter.

The latest flare-up has raised fresh concerns over commercial shipping security in the Gulf, with the Strait of Hormuz once again becoming the focal point of geopolitical risk.

Iran announces fresh blockade after brief reopening

The maritime incidents unfolded just hours after Iran declared a renewed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a short-lived reopening that had taken place during ongoing diplomatic engagement with Washington.

In a televised statement, Iran's military command accused the United States of violating prior understandings by maintaining a naval blockade on ships linked to Iranian ports.

Until the United States restores freedom of navigation for vessels linked to Iran, "the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled," the statement said.

The warning signalled Tehran's intent to continue tightly regulating or restricting passage through the strait unless there is movement from Washington on maritime access.

Trump says US blockade will continue until deal is reached

US President Donald Trump, however, made it clear that Washington is not backing down. He said the American naval blockade targeting Iranian ships and ports "will remain in full force" unless Iran agrees to a broader settlement with the United States to end the war.

Trump's remarks underscored the sharp gap that remains between both sides, even as preparations are reportedly underway for another round of diplomacy.

The renewed exchange of warnings from Tehran and Washington comes at a sensitive moment, with the ceasefire timeline narrowing and no formal breakthrough yet secured.

Fresh US-Iran talks likely in Islamabad on Monday

A fresh round of talks between Iranian and US officials is expected to take place in Islamabad on Monday, according to Iranian authorities. Both delegations are reportedly set to arrive in Pakistan's capital on Sunday, CNN reported.

Trump has also suggested he could travel to Pakistan if needed to help finalise a possible understanding with Iran. Speaking at an event in Las Vegas, Nevada, he projected confidence ahead of the proposed discussions.

"We're going to see what happens. But I think we're very close to making a deal with Iran," he told reporters outside the White House.

At the same event, Trump said the situation in Iran was going "swimmingly" and suggested a resolution may be within reach soon.

Reports from earlier Islamabad discussions indicate the United States had proposed a 20-year pause in Iran's nuclear programme, while Tehran responded with a counter-offer of a five-year pause.

Ceasefire deadline approaches without breakthrough

The current ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire next week, adding urgency to the upcoming negotiations.

So far, there is still no agreement in place. A previous Pakistan-mediated round of talks in Islamabad, which reportedly lasted 14 hours, ended without a breakthrough.

At the conclusion of those talks, the US vice president and chief negotiator said they were returning home "without a deal."

With maritime tensions intensifying in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomacy once again shifting to Islamabad, the coming days could prove decisive for both regional stability and global shipping routes.