Iran demands immediate release of seized vessel as ceasefire deadline looms
A major U.S.-Iran crisis is escalating with the ceasefire deadline approaching Wednesday evening. The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian cargo ship, and Iran has vowed to retaliate, while peace talks in Islamabad are uncertain.
U.S.-Iran Crisis Deepens
Iran's Foreign Ministry called for the release of the Iranian cargo vessel seized by the US Navy on Sunday, vowing to retaliate for the seizure.
President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran ends "Wednesday evening Washington time," adding it's "highly unlikely" he would extend it if a deal is not reached before then.
Vice President JD Vance and top US officials are expected to depart for Islamabad for potential peace talks, but there are mixed signals on attendance from Iran.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has said its country does not have plans to reengage the US "for now."
Military Actions
The US Navy fired on and seized the Iranian-flagged ship Sunday after it tried to get past the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, with footage showing a guided-missile destroyer firing on the vessel and Marines rappelling from helicopters onto its deck.