‘Act of war’: Iran warns US over port blockade as ceasefire hangs by a thread

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday warned that any blockade of Iranian ports would amount to an “act of war” and a direct violation of the ongoing ceasefire, escalating tensions with the United States hours before the truce is set to expire.

In a sharply worded post on X, Araghchi said targeting commercial shipping and detaining crew members would constitute an “even greater violation,” adding that Iran “knows how to neutralize restrictions” and would defend its interests against what he described as “bullying.”

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The remarks come amid deep uncertainty over whether the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States will hold, with both sides yet to resolve critical disputes including maritime access, sanctions, and Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Talks stall as mediation effort falters

A planned visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for a second round of indirect negotiations has been put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to Washington’s latest proposals, according to a US official cited by The New York Times. A White House official said Vance would instead attend policy meetings in Washington.

With the ceasefire deadline looming, Iran has yet to confirm whether it will participate in further talks, Reuters reported, citing state television. Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, said it remains in contact with Iranian officials.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad is still awaiting Tehran’s response to an invitation for talks, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged continued engagement between Washington and Tehran during a meeting with US diplomat Natalie A. Baker. Islamabad has also called on both sides to extend the two-week ceasefire.

Also read: US-Iran war: JD Vance's Pakistan trip for peace talks put on hold

Trump signals hard line as deadline nears

US President Donald Trump has indicated he does not favour extending the truce, warning of possible military action if a deal is not reached.

“We don’t have that much time... I expect to be bombing,” Trump said in an interview, adding that the US military was “ready to go.”

The two sides remain divided over key issues, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear activities. A first round of talks held 10 days ago ended without agreement, with Tehran reportedly reluctant to return to negotiations after Washington maintained its blockade and seized an Iranian cargo vessel.

Iran has also targeted vessels in Gulf waters in recent days, signalling a hardened stance as diplomatic efforts struggle to prevent a renewed escalation.