The US military struck an Iranian-flagged oil tanker Wednesday in the Persian Gulf, disabling its rudder as the vessel attempted to breach a blockade of Iranian ports, US Central Command confirmed. The attack occurred within hours of President Donald Trump posting a fresh ultimatum on Truth Social, warning Tehran that failure to accept a deal would trigger bombing campaigns "at a much higher level and intensity than it was before."
Trump referenced his military operation launched jointly with Israel in February, which he called "the already legendary Epic Fury." He framed the choice starkly: accept the negotiated terms "assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to," or face escalated strikes.
The tanker strike and the president's post came as reports circulated that Washington and Tehran were edging toward agreement on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the conflict. The timing underscored Trump's pattern of combining military pressure with diplomatic signaling, though the conflicting signals have left unclear whether the two sides are genuinely moving toward resolution or trading blows.
Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, pushed back Wednesday, characterizing US actions as an attempt to force Tehran's surrender through naval blockade and other coercive means. His defiant tone suggested Tehran remained unwilling to yield to American pressure, even as both capitals hinted at progress in talks.
The incident reflects ongoing tensions in the region following the February military campaign. The blockade has disrupted Iran's ability to export oil, and Wednesday's attack on the tanker signaled Washington's willingness to enforce that blockade militarily against direct challenges.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's mixing rhetorical threats with tactical strikes suggests he's betting escalation will break Tehran's will, but defiant Iranian responses indicate that calculation may be badly off."
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