Key facts
- The US is demanding Iran publicly pledge to stop firing on ships and declare the Strait of Hormuz open.
- Iran has reportedly privately acknowledged recent attacks were a mistake, blaming a rogue internal group.
- Negotiations between the US and Iran are set to continue in Oman.
- A ceasefire agreement was signed in June aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels.
- Three ships were struck earlier this week in an escalation of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Qatari officials have joined talks between Iran and Oman in Muscat.
The United States is seeking a public commitment from Iran to cease firing on commercial vessels and to affirm the openness of the Strait of Hormuz as part of ongoing negotiations. Senior U.S. officials indicated that Tehran has privately acknowledged recent attacks as a mistake, attributing them to a rogue internal faction, and has agreed to continue discussions. President Donald Trump has stated that both sides will proceed with talks despite the recent hostilities. In June, the U.S. and Iran entered into a ceasefire agreement, which included provisions for Iran to ensure safe passage for commercial ships. U.S. officials conveyed to Tehran's leadership, through regional mediators, a demand for a statement declaring the strait open and a commitment to halt attacks on ships. One official was quoted as saying, "They're either going to give us that statement or we're not having a good outcome for them." The negotiations are expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Meanwhile, a Qatari delegation visited Iran on Friday to de-escalate tensions and facilitate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran had requested continued talks, but the U.S. made it clear that the ceasefire was over. No new attacks were reported on Friday, following the most significant exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran since the interim deal in June. Earlier in the week, three ships were struck while using a U.S.-recommended route, while Iran has advocated for a different route through its own waters. Progress was noted last month with a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and ending conflict on all fronts. As part of this agreement, Iran and Oman were to hold talks with other Gulf states to define the future administration and maritime services in the strait. During the conflict, Iran also sought to assert sovereignty over the strait, proposing the establishment of a "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" to manage safe passage permits.