U.S. Call to Lift Sanctions on Iran and Avoid Striking It to Prevent a Devastating Response

Middle East News Network: Retired U.S. Admiral William McRaven warned of the risks of escalation against Tehran, amid Iranian threats to target energy infrastructure in Gulf countries if Washington carries out strikes on Iran.
In an interview with Fox News, McRaven called for avoiding the expansion of military strikes, suggesting a temporary easing of sanctions as a way to move stalled negotiations forward—especially after the failure to launch a planned round of talks in Pakistan.
At the same time, analysts believe that the growing influence of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard could push Tehran toward a more confrontational approach, making it less willing to offer concessions in any negotiations with the United States. They also expect continued military escalation in the region, particularly given doubts about Iran’s participation in upcoming negotiation rounds.
On the ground, Iranian media reported that Revolutionary Guard forces seized two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after opening fire on them. The ships—“MSC Francesca,” flying the Panamanian flag, and “Epaminondas,” flying the Liberian flag—were taken into Iranian waters. Reports also mentioned a third vessel being targeted but not seized, while maritime tracking data showed the two ships positioned off the Iranian coast.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that one vessel sustained significant damage to its bridge following an attack by a Revolutionary Guard boat, marking a new escalation that highlights the fragile security situation in vital maritime routes.
Source: Fox News