Rubio Warns of ‘Dangerous Escalation’ as U.S., Iran Trade Fire
A relative calm settled over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after several days of sporadic clashes, as the United States awaited Iran’s response to a new proposal aimed at ending more than two months of conflict and opening the door to peace talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Washington expected a reply within hours, but by Saturday there had been no indication of movement from Tehran. The proposal would formally end hostilities before addressing more complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
With President Donald Trump set to visit China next week, pressure has been building to bring the conflict to a close. The fighting has disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns about broader economic fallout. In recent days, the most intense flare-ups since last month’s ceasefire have occurred around the strategic waterway, while the United Arab Emirates reported renewed attacks on Friday.
Clashes test fragile ceasefire
Despite the lull, tensions remain high. Iranian media reported sporadic clashes between Iranian forces and U.S. vessels in the strait on Friday, though officials later said the situation had stabilized while warning that further incidents were possible.
The U.S. military said it struck two vessels linked to Iran that were attempting to enter an Iranian port, forcing them to turn back after a fighter jet targeted their smokestacks.
Since the conflict began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The U.S. responded last month by imposing a blockade on Iranian vessels.
However, a U.S. official familiar with intelligence assessments said Iran may not feel significant economic pressure from the blockade for several months, raising questions about Washington’s leverage. A senior intelligence official later disputed reports about the assessment.
The conflict has also spread beyond the strait. The UAE said its air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran on Friday, leaving three people injured. Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, and attacks have intensified following Trump’s announcement of a naval escort plan for ships in the strait—an initiative he paused after 48 hours.
Trump insisted Thursday that the April 7 ceasefire remains in place despite the recent violence, while Iran accused the U.S. of violating the agreement.
“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. chooses a reckless military path,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Friday.
Diplomacy and pressure
The U.S. has struggled to rally international support for its actions. After meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Rubio questioned why allies were not backing efforts to reopen the strait, warning that allowing Iran to control a major international waterway would set a dangerous precedent.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European nations share the goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and are working to narrow differences with Washington.
At the same time, the U.S. is increasing economic pressure. Just days before Trump’s trip to China, the Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies—including several in China and Hong Kong—accused of helping Iran obtain materials for its Shahed drone program.
The Treasury also warned it could take action against foreign firms involved in illicit trade with Iran, including imposing secondary sanctions on financial institutions tied to China’s independent oil refineries.
