Two Oil Tankers Catch Fire in Hormuz; Trump Says Conflict Will End Soon, Iran Warns of Tougher Response

Two crude oil tankers caught fire after mine explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said. With tensions high, US President Donald Trump said the ongoing conflict with Iran will end "very soon, one way or another". Meanwhile, Tehran warned that its response this time would be even tougher.

Separately, Gulf countries condemned Friday's attack on a Qatari LNG carrier.

Trump's Final Warning

US President Donald Trump sent a tough message to Tehran. He warned that Iran must either reach a deal or "we will end it." Trump also said there are still several targets in Iran that the US has yet to "deal with."

Diplomatic Efforts in Doha

Even as the threat of war grows, Iran and the US are looking for a diplomatic path. Both sides held two days of talks with mediators in Doha, Qatar, over a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the talks had yet to produce a final outcome.

Tehran made it clear that it could quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz if its conditions are met. Araghchi stressed that a positive outcome from the Doha talks would depend on how the US responds to the issues raised by Iran. He expressed hope that Washington has "enough common sense to choose diplomacy."

'Death Trap' Warning and Threat of Strikes Beyond Geographical Limits

Iran issued its own military warnings to the US. It said Iranian forces can deliver "devastating blows" to US warships in the Middle East. Tehran also warned that enemy troops attempting a ground invasion would walk into a "death trap."

Iran's state news agency IRNA reported the firm stance of the country's top military leadership. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Iran would deliver a powerful and forceful response to the enemy. He said the response would have no geographical limits. He added that work is underway on a list of new enemy targets and assets.

Calls to Build Nuclear Weapons

Calls to change Iran's nuclear policy have grown louder during the ongoing conflict. Lawmaker Akhlaghi said 80 members of parliament have signed a letter on the issue. The letter calls for a change in the country's nuclear policy and the development of nuclear weapons. Public slogans in Iran reflect the same demand.