US Fires on Iranian Tanker as Trump Pushes for War Deal

The United States military fired on an Iranian oil tanker Wednesday as President Donald Trump increased pressure on Iran to accept a proposed agreement aimed at ending the Gulf war.

According to U.S. Central Command, an American fighter jet disabled the tanker’s rudder in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly attempted to breach the U.S. naval blockade surrounding Iranian ports.

Attack comes during fragile ceasefire

The incident occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that has largely held since April.

Trump warned Wednesday that the conflict could escalate again if Iran rejects the proposed framework agreement.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts,” Trump wrote on social media.

The president also claimed the war could end soon if Tehran accepts terms that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore disrupted oil shipments.

China urges comprehensive ceasefire

At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

China called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, warning that the conflict is damaging both regional stability and the global economy.

Wang said Beijing was “deeply distressed” by the war and emphasized the need for continued negotiations.

China has emerged as a key diplomatic player because of its close economic relationship with Iran and its dependence on Gulf energy shipments.

US and Iran reportedly nearing preliminary agreement

Reports from Axios and other outlets suggest the White House is working toward a preliminary one-page memorandum with Tehran.

According to the reports, the framework could include a temporary halt to Iranian uranium enrichment, the release of frozen Iranian funds, sanctions relief, and the reopening of shipping routes through Hormuz.

The White House has not officially confirmed the details.

Trump acknowledged Wednesday that Iran agreeing to the proposal remains “a big assumption.”

Israel strikes Beirut amid regional tensions

Meanwhile, Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Beirut for the first time since the April ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Israeli officials said the strike targeted a commander from Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.

The attack highlighted how instability continues to spread across the broader region despite ongoing diplomatic talks involving Iran and the United States.

Shipping disruptions continue to hurt global trade

Hundreds of commercial vessels remain trapped inside the Persian Gulf because of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

Major shipping companies say disruptions continue to generate massive financial losses.

German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd said the shutdown is costing the company approximately $60 million per week because of higher insurance, fuel, and rerouting expenses.

French shipping company CMA CGM also reported one of its vessels was attacked while transiting the strait earlier this week.

Oil prices ease but uncertainty remains

Oil markets reacted cautiously to signs of possible diplomatic progress.

Brent crude prices fell to around $100 per barrel Wednesday after earlier surging above $115 during the conflict.

Analysts warned, however, that shipping and energy markets are unlikely to stabilize fully until the risk of renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz decreases significantly.

Only two American-flagged commercial ships are known to have successfully used the U.S.-protected route through the strait so far.