Tensions between the US and Iran escalated on Tuesday, as Iranian forces targeted multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardizing peace negotiations.
At least three ships in the Strait appeared to come under attack, with one Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker catching fire and risking an explosion. A second Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker was targeted by a missile, and a third unidentified ship was hit by a drone.
AUDIO obtained earlier shows the Iranian Navy threatening one of the ships, warning them to alter course immediately or risk being targeted. The Iranians reportedly attacked the ship shortly after issuing the warning.
The incident comes after fighting temporarily resumed late last month, with the US responding to Iranian strikes on ships in the Strait by targeting Iran's military in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Iran agreed to halt strikes and meet in Doha last weekend after the US launched multiple strikes against Iran in response to Iran targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump told reporters last week that the US had hit Iran "very hard" in response to the attacks, but expressed optimism that a deal could be reached. However, he also hinted that he may "finish the job" in Iran if no deal is made.
Trump emphasized that the US had the military capability to quickly knock out Iran's bridges, energy supply, and power-generating plants, but expressed a preference for making a deal to avoid affecting 91 million people.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on Tuesday, saying Iran's military will not be "moved by any threats" and threatening that negotiations on a final deal will not commence if threats continue.
This is a developing story.
