Iran questions credibility of US diplomacy amid renewed Gulf naval clashes

Iran questioned the seriousness of American diplomacy on Saturday following renewed naval clashes in the Gulf, while keeping Washington waiting for a response to its latest negotiating proposal.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised doubts about US intentions in a call with his Turkish counterpart, as both sides traded accusations over ceasefire violations.

What did Iran's foreign minister say about US diplomacy?

Araghchi said recent escalations by American forces in the Persian Gulf had added to suspicions about Washington's commitment to negotiations.

"The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Persian Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy," he said, according to ISNA. The remarks came after a US fighter jet fired on and disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers on Friday.

What happened in the Gulf naval clashes?

The US accused the two Iranian-flagged tankers of challenging its naval blockade of Iran's ports, prompting the strike and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks. An Iranian military official told local media the navy had "responded to the violation of the ceasefire and to American terrorism with strikes" and that "the clashes have now ceased."

The incident followed an overnight flare-up in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is seeking to control to extract tolls and wield economic leverage over the US and its allies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated on Friday that it was "unacceptable" for Tehran to control the key oil route.

US President Donald Trump had said he was expecting Iran's response to Washington's latest proposal "supposedly tonight." But if Iran did send the Pakistani mediators a response, there was no public sign of it. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Friday the proposal was still "under review," according to ISNA.

What is the current state of US-Iran peace talks?

Washington sent Iran, via Pakistani mediators, a proposal to extend the truce in the Gulf and allow talks on a final settlement of the conflict, which began 10 weeks ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met US Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Friday to discuss the Pakistani-led brokering efforts. Iran has attacked sites in Qatar during the war, pointing to the emirate's role as host of a major US air base.

Trump announced a naval operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Sunday, only to abandon it on Tuesday in favor of returning to negotiations.

Saudi sources told AFP the kingdom had refused permission for the US military to use its bases and airspace for the operation, with one source saying Riyadh felt it "would just escalate the situation and would not work." Iran largely closed the strait following the start of the war on 28 February, throwing global markets into turmoil and driving up oil prices.

What is the oil slick near Kharg Island?

Satellite images have shown an oil slick spreading off the coast of Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export terminal. The spill appears to cover more than 20 square miles (52 square kilometers), according to global monitor Orbital EOS, and is located off the island's west coast. The cause had not been immediately confirmed.

Kharg Island lies at the heart of Iran's oil export industry and sits in the Gulf, far north of the Strait of Hormuz. The island is a central pillar of Iran's battered economy, making any disruption to its operations a significant concern for Tehran amid the ongoing conflict.

What is happening on the Lebanon front?

A parallel ceasefire in Lebanon is also under strain, with Iran-backed Hezbollah launching missiles and drones at military bases in Israel.

The attacks came in retaliation for a recent strike on Beirut and ongoing Israeli strikes in the south, where Lebanese authorities reported 11 people killed on Friday. The violence comes as Lebanon and Israel are due to hold direct negotiations in Washington next week, which Hezbollah vehemently opposes.