Efforts to formally end the conflict between the United States and Iran appeared to lose momentum on Friday as both sides exchanged fire in the Gulf, while a US intelligence assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a naval blockade for several more months.
According to a US official familiar with the report, a CIA analysis found that Iran is unlikely to face acute economic pressure from the closure of its ports for roughly another four months. The findings indicate that Washington’s ability to force concessions through economic measures may be more limited than anticipated, as both governments attempt to negotiate an end to a war that has drawn criticism from American voters.
A senior intelligence official dismissed reports about the assessment, describing the “claims” as “false” and insisting the blockade “is inflicting real, compounding damage – severing trade, crushing revenue, and accelerating systemic economic collapse.”
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Recent days have brought the most serious outbreaks of violence in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire was declared a month ago. On Friday, the United Arab Emirates once again came under attack.
The United States is waiting for Tehran’s response to a proposal that would formally conclude the conflict before negotiators tackle more contentious matters, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
“We should know something today,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Rome. “We’re expecting a response from them.”
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the government was still considering its position. By mid-afternoon in Washington, shortly before midnight in Tehran, no official response had been announced.
Strait Of Hormuz Clashes Push Oil Prices Higher
Fresh skirmishes between Iranian forces and US naval vessels were reported in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. Tasnim later quoted a military source as saying tensions had eased, although further confrontations remained possible.
The US military said it targeted two vessels linked to Iran as they attempted to enter an Iranian port. A fighter jet struck the ships’ smokestacks, forcing them to turn away.
Iran has effectively prevented most foreign shipping from passing through the strategic waterway since the war began with joint US-Israeli air strikes on 28 February. The United States imposed a blockade on Iranian vessels last month.
Oil markets reacted to the latest tensions, with Brent crude rising above $101 a barrel, although prices remained more than 6 per cent lower for the week.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the ceasefire remained intact despite the renewed clashes in the strait, which previously carried around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
The conflict also spread beyond the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran on Friday. Three people were reported to have sustained moderate injuries.
Iran has repeatedly targeted the UAE and other Gulf nations hosting US military bases. The UAE described the latest assault as a “major escalation”, coming after Tehran intensified attacks this week in response to Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom”, a mission designed to escort ships through the strait before being paused after 48 hours.
Iran Accuses Washington Of Violating Ceasefire Agreement
Tehran accused Washington of undermining the truce, which had largely held since it was announced on 7 April but has come under growing pressure in recent days.
“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday.
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that one crew member was killed, 10 were injured and four remained missing after what it described as a US Navy attack on an Iranian commercial vessel late on Thursday.
After meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Rubio questioned why Italy and other allies had not more openly supported Washington’s campaign to restore unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Are you going to normalise a country claiming to control an international waterway? Because if you normalise that, you’ve set a precedent that’s going to get repeated in a dozen other places,” he said.
US Expands Sanctions On Iran’s Drone Supply Network
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, Washington has stepped up economic pressure on Tehran.
The US Treasury announced sanctions on Friday against 10 individuals and companies, including entities in China and Hong Kong, accused of helping Iran’s military obtain weapons and raw materials used to manufacture Shahed drones.
In a statement, the Treasury said it remained prepared to take action against Iran’s military-industrial network to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its production capabilities and extending its influence abroad.
The department also warned that foreign firms involved in illicit trade with Iran could face penalties, including secondary sanctions on financial institutions linked to China’s independent “teapot” oil refineries.
The sanctions were announced just days before Trump is scheduled to travel to China for talks with President Xi Jinping.
