Iran seizes ships in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertain ceasefire

On Wednesday, Iranian forces seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing maritime violations, and escorted them to Iranian territory. This action followed a unilateral announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared an indefinite postponement of military attacks to allow time for potential peace negotiations initiated by Pakistani mediators. While Trump claimed a ceasefire extension, Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, denied reaching a formal agreement and criticized the ongoing U.S. naval blockade as an act of war. Reports regarding the total number of affected vessels vary, with a British maritime security agency suggesting three ships were fired upon. The situation remains volatile as Iran maintains its closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit chokepoint, citing the U.S. blockade as a justification. Previously, the U.S. had seized an Iranian cargo vessel on Saturday and boarded an oil tanker on Tuesday. No confirmed peace talks have commenced, and the expiration status of the initial two-week ceasefire remains disputed between the two nations.