Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 27: The United States and Iran appear to be at an impasse over ceasefire negotiations in the ongoing Middle East conflict, raising fears of further escalation as the war nears one month.
US President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz until April 6, even as Tehran tightened control over the passage, disrupting global oil and gas shipments.
Tensions continued to rise with Israel deploying additional troops to southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah, while air raid sirens sounded across Israel amid incoming Iranian missile attacks. Heavy strikes were also reported in Iran’s capital and other cities.
Despite sustained US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s military and leadership, Tehran has continued missile attacks, showing no signs of backing down. Analysts suggest Iran may be aiming to outlast the offensive while leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows, to exert economic pressure.
Iran has rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal, instead putting forward its own conditions. Meanwhile, Washington has outlined broader objectives, including curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and limiting its support to regional armed groups.
Trump has warned of possible strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait is not fully reopened, though he indicated that ongoing talks were “progressing well.” Iran, in turn, has threatened retaliation against critical infrastructure in the region.
Adding to concerns, the Gulf Cooperation Council claimed Iran is effectively charging ships for safe passage through the strait, a move described by maritime analysts as a “de facto toll system.”
Global oil markets have reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices rising over 40% since the conflict began, reflecting fears of prolonged disruption.
In a significant development, Israel claimed to have killed senior Iranian naval officials, including Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, though Tehran has not confirmed the reports.
Diplomatic efforts continue, with the US reportedly presenting a 15-point framework for a possible peace deal through intermediaries, even as both sides maintain hardened positions.