Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 13: US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of carrying out attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Strait of Hormuz and described the incident as “totally unacceptable”.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran was behind attacks on three vessels carrying Indian crew members near the strategic waterway, resulting in the deaths of three seafarers.
“Very dishonorable people to deal with. With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith. Amazing! Also, their totally rebuffed drone attack last night against Indian ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is totally unacceptable. They better get their act together, and fast,” Trump said.
The remarks came amid reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran were close to reaching a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia. Media reports had claimed that the proposed agreement included an extension of the ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for future negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme.
However, Trump dismissed those reports, accusing Iran of misrepresenting the contents of the proposed agreement.
“The terms that Iran leaked out to the fake news have nothing to do with the terms that were agreed to in writing. What they said, including their weak and pathetic statement on having a deal, bears no relation to the truth,” he said.
According to diplomatic sources cited in international media reports, the proposed memorandum is expected to be signed in Geneva and would include a 60-day ceasefire across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
The reported framework also envisages the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without transit charges being imposed by Iran, allowing the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies, commercial shipping and maritime traffic through one of the world's most important trade routes.
Reports further suggested that the proposed arrangement includes lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports and offering limited sanctions relief linked to Iran's compliance with the agreement and continued engagement in negotiations.
However, Iran has denied that any final agreement has been reached.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, dismissed reports that a deal with the United States had been finalised and said negotiations were still ongoing.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping corridor through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass, making any disruption in the region a matter of international concern.