Trump’s Iran Ultimatum Turns Hot as US Fires on Iranian Oil Tanker

The Trump administration ratcheted up its provocative posture toward Iran on Wednesday, firing several rounds at an Iranian-flagged oil tanker and crippling its rudder as it tried to break through the US blockade of Iranian ports. The attack came mere hours after President Donald Trump posted a fresh ultimatum on his Truth Social platform, warning Tehran that failure to accept a peace deal would trigger a “much higher level and intensity” of bombing than before.

US Central Command confirmed the military strike on social media, framing it as enforcement of the blockade meant to pressure Iran into concessions. Trump’s announcement followed a confusing swirl of contradictory signals about negotiations that some sources say are inching toward a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war. Yet, Tehran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed the blockade and economic pressure as attempts to force Iranian surrender, underscoring the deep mistrust on both sides.

This latest military escalation comes after Trump abruptly paused “Project Freedom,” a US naval effort to escort commercial ships through the perilous Strait of Hormuz, following objections from Saudi Arabia and mediation requests from Pakistan. Over 800 ships remain stranded west of the strait, with Iran threatening mines and missile attacks that have already spiked global fuel prices.

Despite Trump’s threats to restart a joint US-Israeli air offensive, analysts suggest the president may be angling for a diplomatic breakthrough before his upcoming visit to Beijing—the first by a US president since 2017. China, with strong ties to Tehran, has called for a comprehensive ceasefire, though its influence remains limited.

Pakistani officials involved in mediation efforts say talks are “moving forward” toward a ceasefire and temporary reopening of the strait to facilitate negotiations. However, they emphasize that trust is fragile and nothing is finalized. Both sides reportedly want China to act as an external guarantor, but doubts persist about Beijing’s leverage.

This volatile mix of brinkmanship, stalled diplomacy, and economic warfare reveals a Trump administration willing to gamble with regional stability—and global markets—to consolidate power and distract from its own domestic crises. As the US fires on Iranian vessels and threatens intensified bombing, the risk of a wider, more destructive conflict looms large.

For the full story and ongoing updates, visit The Guardian’s detailed coverage.