The United States and Iran have both warned they are prepared for war as uncertainty surrounds stalled negotiations, with the ceasefire deadline fast approaching.
Washington said Vice President JD Vance is ready to return to Islamabad for a second round of talks aimed at ending the conflict that has shaken the Middle East and global markets.
However, Tehran has not confirmed its participation and accused the United States of violating the truce through a blockade of Iranian ports and the seizure of a vessel.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the US actions were an attempt to turn negotiations into a surrender.
“By imposing a blockade and violating the ceasefire, Trump wants to turn this negotiating table into a surrender table or justify renewed hostilities,” he said, adding that Iran has been preparing to respond militarily.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they could target any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without permission.
The strategic waterway handles about a fifth of global oil shipments, making it critical to the world economy.
President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the truce by harassing vessels in the same region and defended the blockade, saying it would continue until a deal is reached on Iran’s nuclear program .
Trump said Iran was expected to attend the talks but warned that if the ceasefire collapses, hostilities would resume.
He also indicated it was unlikely the truce would be extended beyond its current deadline.
Despite a level of calm returning to Tehran during the ceasefire, residents say economic conditions remain difficult and uncertainty is high.
Meanwhile, a separate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains fragile, with both sides set for further talks in Washington even as sporadic violence continues.
Tensions remain high across the region, with global markets closely watching developments, especially any disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.