India flags concern over attacks on merchant ships as Washington and Tehran trade accusations, dispute fresh talks, and push the Gulf crisis closer to another dangerous turn.
A view of destruction in Iran following recent strikes, as a fragile ceasefire opens the door for negotiations. (Representative image: Reuters via ANI)
The latest turn in the Iran-US crisis has shifted the focus sharply back to sea lanes, after American forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea and Tehran called the move “maritime piracy”. The confrontation comes just two days before the current two-week ceasefire window is due to end on April 22.
The diplomatic track looks no less messy. While Washington has spoken of more talks in Pakistan, Iran has denied agreeing to any new round. India, meanwhile, has raised alarm over attacks on merchant shipping, as the Strait of Hormuz once again becomes the most dangerous pressure point in the wider West Asia conflict.
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