By Elsie Kamsiyochi
The United States is pressing Iran to publicly guarantee the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, as both countries prepare to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at easing months of conflict in the Gulf.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Oman on Saturday for talks focused on restoring secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel that carries a significant share of the world’s oil exports. The discussions come as international concern grows over repeated attacks on commercial vessels that have disrupted global energy supplies, shaken financial markets, and driven fuel prices sharply higher.
Oman has emerged once again as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington, hosting diplomatic contacts intended to prevent the conflict from escalating further. The Gulf nation has played a central role in facilitating communication between the two sides throughout the crisis.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue negotiations despite the recent escalation in military tensions. At the same time, Trump declared that the previous ceasefire arrangement between the two countries was no longer in effect, signaling a more cautious and uncertain phase in the diplomatic process.
Although no new attacks were reported overnight into Saturday, regional officials said intensive diplomatic activity was underway behind the scenes. According to an Iranian source familiar with the discussions, mediators were attempting to organize a broader conversation involving Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan while Araqchi remained in Oman.
Several media reports suggested senior American officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, were expected to participate in discussions. However, Iranian officials later indicated that formal negotiations would not move forward unless Washington changed its current military posture.
The latest diplomatic push follows a dangerous week in which several commercial tankers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents prompted the United States to launch strikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran retaliated by targeting U.S. military installations in Gulf countries, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran has denied direct responsibility for the attacks on shipping, though Western analysts believe Tehran has historically used pressure in the Strait of Hormuz as leverage during periods of heightened negotiations. U.S. officials said Iran had privately suggested that the recent shipping attacks were carried out by rogue elements rather than by central authorities, an explanation Washington views cautiously but believes could help lower immediate tensions.
Foreign Minister Araqchi accused the United States of violating previous understandings between the two countries and insisted that any progress would require both sides to fulfill their commitments equally. He stated that cooperation could only succeed through mutual compliance rather than unilateral demands.
One of Washington’s primary objectives is securing an explicit Iranian commitment that commercial vessels will be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz without interference or additional fees. The United States argues that restoring confidence in the waterway is essential for stabilizing global energy markets and preventing further economic disruption.
The strategic importance of the Strait has grown even more significant since fighting erupted earlier this year. The conflict, which began following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, has entered its fifth month, causing thousands of casualties, damaging infrastructure, disrupting international trade, and fueling concerns about the global economy.
Meanwhile, political tensions inside Iran remain high following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement released during funeral ceremonies, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed that the country would avenge the killing of his father and predecessor, declaring that Iran would pursue retaliation regardless of future diplomatic developments.
The statement added another layer of uncertainty to already fragile negotiations. Earlier, President Trump said he had instructed the U.S. military to be prepared for a massive response if Iran attempted any assassination plot against him. The remarks followed reports that Israeli intelligence had warned Washington of an alleged Iranian plan targeting the U.S. president.
Despite the increasingly hostile rhetoric from both sides, American officials said recent contacts with Iranian representatives had been constructive and offered cautious hope that diplomacy could still prevent another major escalation. Tehran, however, warned that any violation of commitments by Washington would trigger an immediate and proportional response.
The ongoing crisis continues to affect economies around the world. Rising tensions in the Gulf have pushed crude oil prices to their largest weekly gain in nearly two months, increasing fuel costs for consumers and businesses alike.
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining vital to global energy supplies, governments and financial markets are closely watching whether the latest round of diplomacy can restore stability and reduce the risk of further confrontation.
Source Reuters
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