Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to target US sites in the Middle East if Iranian tankers or commercial vessels are attacked. The warning comes a day after the US struck two Iranian-flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman, which Washington accused of challenging its blockade of Iran's ports. The IRGC stated that any attack on Iranian vessels would result in a 'heavy attack' on US bases and enemy ships in the region.
US President Donald Trump had expected Iran's response to Washington's latest peace proposal by Friday evening, but no public confirmation of a response has been reported. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the US's reliability in negotiations, citing recent escalations in the Persian Gulf and violations of the ceasefire. The US maintains that Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route, is unacceptable.
The US disabled two Iranian tankers on Friday, claiming they were attempting to breach the blockade. Iran responded with strikes, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Bahrain arrested 41 individuals allegedly linked to the IRGC, accusing them of funding 'terrorist operations.' Iran warned Bahrain against siding with the US, emphasizing the Strait of Hormuz's strategic importance.
Experts have raised concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities, noting that Tehran has enough plutonium reserves for over 200 nuclear bombs. The US and its allies are pushing for a deal that addresses Iran's nuclear program, but negotiations remain stalled. Russia has proposed taking enriched uranium from Iran to aid negotiations, though no progress has been reported.