US seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship

The US seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after firing on its engine room, escalating tensions days before planned Iran-US peace talks mediated by Pakistan. Iran refuses to participate unless the US lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, while US President Trump threatens to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure, drawing criticism from legal experts as a potential war crime. Meanwhile, Pakistan intensifies diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations, with Iran demanding broader concessions including on Lebanon and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

It delivers a real-time snapshot of how military escalation, social media rhetoric, and backchannel diplomacy are colliding in a high-stakes international standoff.

1. 01The US military seized an Iranian-flagged vessel by disabling it with targeted fire, marking a significant escalation amid fragile diplomatic efforts.
2. 02Iran insists on the removal of the naval blockade and sanctions before engaging in talks, while the US delegation, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, pushes for agreements on nuclear enrichment and missile capabilities.
3. 03Legal experts warn Trump's threats to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges could constitute war crimes, highlighting the risks of conducting high-stakes diplomacy via social media.