The conflict in the Middle East intensified on Wednesday as Iran accused the United States of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement, even as Washington insisted the truce remains in effect.
Iranian officials alleged that the United States breached multiple aspects of the deal, citing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, alleged drone activity near Iranian airspace, and disagreements over uranium enrichment as key violations.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, said the conditions necessary for negotiations had already been undermined before talks could fully begin.
He warned that continuing under such circumstances would be “unreasonable.”
The White House rejected the accusations, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the U.S. has not agreed to allow Iran to continue uranium enrichment, calling such claims “completely absurd.”
The administration maintained that its position remains unchanged regarding Iran’s nuclear activities
Tensions also escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Iran claimed the waterway had been shut, while U.S. officials insisted it remained open and operational, citing continued maritime traffic.
Conflicting reports from Iranian media further added to the confusion, with some outlets reporting limited passage before later claiming movement had been suspended.
Iran has warned that vessels attempting to transit without permission could face attacks or heavy tolls, further raising concerns about global energy supply disruptions.
The situation across the Gulf region has grown increasingly volatile. Reports indicated that oil infrastructure in neighboring countries was targeted, including an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, while Kuwait intercepted dozens of drones aimed at critical facilities.
Explosions were also reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran, though U.S. officials declined to comment on those incidents.
Lebanon excluded from ceasefire
Amid the tensions, the White House clarified that the ceasefire does not cover Lebanon, where Israeli strikes continue. Officials emphasized that operations against Hezbollah remain separate from the U.S.-Iran agreement.
With both sides trading accusations and key strategic areas like the Strait of Hormuz at the center of dispute, the ceasefire appears increasingly fragile.
