US Attacks Ship Near Hormuz Amid Signs of Possible US-Iran Deal, Pakistan Says

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated on Tuesday that the United States and Iran appear close to reaching "some kind of agreement," suggesting recent developments indicate progress toward a peace deal. His remarks came amid reports that Pakistan's Interior Minister, Moehsin Naqvi, traveled to Tehran for talks, signaling diplomatic activity despite previous stalemates.

Following Asif's comments, oil prices dropped due to renewed hopes for a deal. However, US President Donald Trump maintained a tough stance, warning on social media about Iran's compensation demands and asserting the US retains the capability to escalate military action if negotiations fail.

In a related security incident, US forces attacked a Panama-flagged cargo ship named Vela Nova near the Gulf of Oman, about 131 kilometers off Pakistan's coast. The ship was reportedly hit by a missile fired from a US military helicopter after ignoring warnings while attempting to bypass the US blockade on Iranian ports. The attack caused a fire that was later extinguished, and all 17 crew members were unharmed. US officials indicated the crew tried to transfer personnel to a civilian vessel following the strike.

Israeli officials are closely monitoring these developments, especially reports that Trump may declare victory over Iran without a formal nuclear deal if Tehran agrees to fully open the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli sources expressed concern over Trump's unpredictability but believe he prefers maintaining economic pressure on Iran through continued sanctions and naval blockades rather than renewed conflict. A senior Israeli official commented that the current situation, with ongoing sanctions and economic strain on Iran, is favorable for Israel.