US strikes Iranian oil tankers as Middle East ceasefire frays

The United States conducted strikes against Iranian oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, casting serious doubt on a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, according to Politico Europe.

The attacks occurred as the Trump administration claims the ceasefire remains intact, despite escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf. Negotiations over a broader peace proposal have shown minimal progress, with both sides engaged in military confrontations in recent days.

The incident underscores the extreme volatility of US-Iran tensions in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. Approximately 20,000 merchant sailors remain in the region due to ongoing instability. The strikes suggest renewed combat operations despite diplomatic claims, raising concerns among EU nations dependent on Gulf shipping routes and regional stability.