Ceasefire between US and Iran nears deadline as both sides trade sharp warnings over blockade and military response

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as a fragile ceasefire approaches its deadline, with both sides issuing strong warnings amid ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned that severe military action could follow if negotiations fail, signalling that “bombs will go off” in the absence of a deal. His remarks come as Washington continues a naval blockade targeting Iranian oil exports and maritime movement, a move Tehran has strongly opposed.

Iran, on the other hand, has indicated it is prepared with what it described as “new cards,” suggesting a potential shift in its strategy if the situation escalates further. The standoff reflects deep mistrust between the two sides, even as diplomatic efforts continue in the background.

The current crisis is centred around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The United States imposed the blockade after talks failed to produce a breakthrough, aiming to restrict Iran’s oil shipments and increase economic pressure.

Tehran has accused Washington of violating the ceasefire by maintaining the blockade and taking aggressive actions, including the seizure of vessels near the strategic waterway. These developments have further complicated efforts to sustain peace.

A temporary ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, had paused hostilities for two weeks following threats of major escalation. However, with the truce nearing its end, uncertainty looms over whether it will be extended or collapse into renewed conflict.

The situation has also raised concerns globally, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can significantly impact oil supply and international markets. Analysts warn that prolonged tensions could lead to economic instability and further geopolitical strain.

Diplomatic channels remain open, but the sharp rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran indicates that the path to a lasting agreement remains uncertain.

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday evening, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and urge residents in coastal areas to move to safer locations.

According to officials, the earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean near the northeastern region of the country at around 4:53 pm local time. The tremors were strong enough to be felt across a wide area, including parts of Tokyo.

Following the quake, Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning for several coastal regions, cautioning that waves of up to 3 metres could hit affected areas.

Initial tsunami waves were recorded shortly after the earthquake, with water levels reaching around 70 to 80 centimetres at some ports in northern Japan. Authorities warned that subsequent waves could be larger and more dangerous.

Emergency alerts were broadcast across the region, urging residents to evacuate coastal zones and move to higher ground. Visuals showed ships leaving ports and emergency messages being displayed on television screens.

As a precautionary measure, bullet train services in parts of northern Japan were temporarily halted, while authorities began assessing the situation and monitoring for aftershocks.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but officials said the situation remained under close observation, with warnings still in place for coastal communities.

Japan, located along the seismically active “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes, making rapid response systems and tsunami alerts critical for public safety.

The United States Navy fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports.

The vessel was intercepted by US naval forces after it did not respond to repeated warnings. It was subsequently disabled and boarded, with US personnel taking control of the ship.

Details regarding the vessel’s cargo and the circumstances leading to the interception have not been fully disclosed.

Iran has condemned the incident, calling it a violation of international norms.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and such incidents often raise concerns over maritime security and global energy flows.