Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiry, with both sides accusing each other of violations amid growing uncertainty over planned peace talks. The situation has unfolded against the backdrop of heightened military and maritime tensions in the region. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday alleged on Truth Social that Iran had “violated the ceasefire numerous times,” though he did not provide specific details. His remarks come at a critical juncture, with the temporary truce set to expire within hours and diplomatic efforts to extend it appearing increasingly uncertain.

Iran has firmly rejected the US allegations and instead accused Washington of violating the ceasefire first. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Al Jazeera that the United States breached the agreement through what Tehran described as a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the seizure of an Iranian container ship by US forces. Iran has argued that these actions amount to violations of both the truce and international law.

The ceasefire, reportedly mediated with involvement from Pakistan, was agreed upon on April 8 for a two-week period following weeks of escalating conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives. Iranian officials estimate that at least 3,375 people have been killed since the start of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, intensifying regional instability.

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Tensions have also flared around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. While Iran briefly declared the waterway open to commercial traffic last week, subsequent developments, including continued US naval activity, have raised concerns over renewed disruptions to energy flows and global oil prices.

Meanwhile, prospects for a second round of peace talks remain unclear. Iranian officials have stated there is currently no confirmed plan for negotiations with the United States. Adding to the escalation, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran has been preparing “new cards on the battlefield,” signalling potential further retaliation if diplomatic efforts collapse.

President Trump has indicated that the ceasefire could effectively end by Wednesday evening (Washington time) and warned that if no agreement is reached, “lots of bombs will start going off,” further heightening fears of renewed military confrontation in the region.

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