Iran Calls Shehbaz Sharif Over ‘Bullying’ After US Captures Cargo Ship Near Hormuz

Pakistan attempts to mediate between Iran and the US as the Wednesday deadline for a Middle East ceasefire approaches.

Amid rising hostilities between Iran and the US, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif. This follows the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pezeshkian Slams US ‘Bullying’

Pezeshkian told Sharif that US “bullying and unreasonable behavior” creates deep suspicion. He noted that the US might “betray diplomacy” as it has before, according to Iranian state media.

Pakistan Acts as Peace Mediator

Pakistan is trying to calm the situation despite failed talks in Islamabad on April 12. Tensions spiked last weekend after the US Navy fired on and boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman. This marks the first vessel seizure in the blockade since the conflict began on February 28.

Touska Held by US Marines

US President Donald Trump stated that the USS Spruance warned the vessel to stop. When the crew ignored it, the Navy stopped the ship by “blowing a hole in the engine room.”

Trump Details Seizure of Touska

Trump said the ship, Touska, is nearly 900 feet long and weighs “as much as an aircraft carrier.” The US Marines now hold the vessel. Trump posted on Truth Social: “The TOUSKA is under US Treasury Sanctions because of their prior history of illegal activity. We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!”

Also Read | Beyond the Warning: Why the US Seizure of M/V Touska Signals a New Phase in the Gulf Crisis

Iran Vows Swift Retaliation

Iran promised to strike back after Trump’s announcement. A military spokesperson warned that Iranian forces will “soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy.”

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Peace Push

Pakistani leaders are pushing for a second round of peace talks. Army Chief Asim Munir visited Tehran with US proposals last week. Meanwhile, Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey to seek regional support.

Hormuz Blockade Stalls Talks

The Strait of Hormuz standoff has paralyzed negotiations. Iran shut the energy passage again due to the US naval blockade. Iran also rejected new talks in Islamabad, citing the US’s “maximalist demands.”

Nuclear Rights and Deadlocked Negotiations

Pezeshkian defended Iran’s nuclear rights, asking why they should surrender a “legal right.” Sources say the atmosphere for talks is not positive. Lifting the blockade remains a core requirement for Iran to return to the table.