New Delhi, July 13 -- The fragile truce between the United States and Iran appears to be rapidly unravelling, with both sides trading accusations of violating the June interim ceasefire agreement that was intended to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

US President Donald Trump last week declared the initial ceasefire agreement "over", accusing Tehran of failing to honour commitments made under the deal. On Monday, Trump further escalated his rhetoric, saying the United States would likely take over the Strait of Hormuz and act as its "guardian".

Iran, meanwhile, accused Washington of pushing the agreement "into crisis".

"Undoubtedly, the memorandum of understanding has entered a crisis phase," the ...