Ceasefire at Risk as US Seizes Iranian Ship and Iran Overlooks Peace Talks

Following eight weeks of war that began on February 28, a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is now at risk after U.S. forces seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to break a blockade. The U.S. military said Marines boarded the vessel after a six-hour standoff and disabled its engines, while Iran called it armed piracy and vowed retaliation. Tehran also said it is not ready for new peace talks, accusing Washington of not being serious and maintaining unacceptable demands. Pakistan is preparing mediation talks in Islamabad before the ceasefire expires, deploying 20,000 security personnel. Oil prices rose 6% after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. China and allies urged restraint amid continued missile exchanges and heavy casualties looming.