It is also unclear how the military action by both sides will affect ongoing negotiations in Switzerland. On Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance posted on social media that “violence will be met with violence” in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships.Â
“Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone,” Vance said on X.
Just a week ago, the U.S. and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days toll-free as part of a memorandum of understanding signed by leaders of both countries, and ships began moving through the key shipping corridor through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas pass every year.  Â
Although a route near Oman is being expanded for inbound and outbound traffic, traffic through the Strait remains below prewar levels, as the situation remains volatile in the area. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, an oil tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile while passing through the Strait. The vessel sustained damage to its bridge, but no injuries were reported. It was unclear who was responsible for the attack.
