The United States has issued a fresh warning to Iran, stating there will be consequences for alleged attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
US administration officials told Reuters that negotiators remain engaged in good faith toward a final peace agreement, even as the threat of retaliation looms over the critical waterway.
The escalation comes as global markets continue to price in elevated shipping risk.
Brent crude and energy equities remain sensitive to any disruption in the chokepoint, which handles a significant portion of global oil and LNG transit.
The US stance signals that diplomatic channels are open but that military or economic pressure remains on the table if attacks persist.
This development follows a series of warnings from Iran's armed forces, which have threatened swift military responses to any unauthorized US interference in the region.