The United States and Iran have both signalled readiness for potential conflict as diplomatic efforts stall and ceasefire negotiations remain unresolved.
Washington has indicated that Vice President JD Vance is prepared to return to Islamabad for a second round of talks aimed at de-escalating tensions across the Middle East.
However, Iran has not confirmed participation in the discussions, accusing the United States of undermining the ceasefire through naval restrictions and the seizure of an Iranian vessel.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington was attempting to force Tehran into surrender rather than genuine negotiations, warning that Iran is prepared to respond militarily if necessary.
The country’s Revolutionary Guards also cautioned that they could target vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz without approval, raising concerns over global energy security as the waterway handles a significant portion of the world’s oil supply.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump defended the US position, accusing Iran of breaching the truce and insisting that restrictions would remain in place until a broader nuclear agreement is reached.
Trump also suggested that if the ceasefire collapses, military hostilities could resume, saying there was little expectation of extending the current truce beyond its deadline.
While some calm has returned to parts of Tehran during the temporary ceasefire, economic pressure and uncertainty continue to affect daily life.
Elsewhere in the region, tensions remain high as other ceasefire arrangements involving Israel and neighbouring states remain fragile, with sporadic violence and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the United States.
Global markets are closely monitoring developments, particularly any disruption to oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, amid fears of renewed escalation.