The sources said that the US military fired on the Iranian oil tanker, striking its rudder as the vessel attempted to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports

The attack on Wednesday comes amid ongoing ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran, as President Donald Trump seeks to pressure Iran into agreeing to a settlement that would end the two-month war.

Trump suggested that the US could escalate military action if Iran rejects the proposed agreement.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be… at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” he wrote on social media.

He also indicated that the war could end quickly if Iran accepts the terms, which reportedly include halting uranium enrichment, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen funds, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials responded cautiously.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has “strongly rejected” previous US proposals but is reviewing the latest American offer.

The strike follows Trump’s suspension of a brief US operation intended to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the short-lived effort, tensions remain high, with the US military reporting the sinking of six Iranian small boats that threatened civilian ships.