U.S.-Iran War Talks Stall as Hormuz Clashes Resume
Washington is still waiting for Tehran to respond to its latest peace overture, CNBC reported Saturday, as sporadic fighting around the Strait of Hormuz marked the worst ceasefire violations in a month. The conflict, now in its third month, continues to disrupt global energy markets and strain relationships with U.S. allies.
Ceasefire Holds in Name Only
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Washington expected an Iranian reply within hours. By Saturday, no response had materialized. The U.S. proposal would formally end hostilities before tackling harder questions, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through what he called reckless military actions.
Clashes in and around the Strait of Hormuz marked the most intense fighting since the April 7 ceasefire announcement. U.S. forces struck two Iran-linked vessels attempting to enter an Iranian port. Iran’s semi-official news agencies confirmed the incidents but said calm had been partially restored.
Why the Strait Matters So Much
Before the war began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply transited the narrow waterway each day. Iran has largely barred non-Iranian shipping since fighting started. The U.S. responded last month with a blockade on Iranian vessels, though a CIA assessment suggested Iran could withstand that economic pressure for roughly another four months. A senior intelligence official disputed that characterisation.
The UAE also came under attack Friday. Abu Dhabi said its air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones of Iranian origin, leaving three people with moderate injuries. Iran has repeatedly targeted Gulf states that host American military installations.
Sanctions and Diplomacy Run in Parallel
With President Donald Trump set to travel to China next week for talks with President Xi Jinping, pressure is mounting to resolve the conflict before that diplomatic moment. Days ahead of the trip, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against ten individuals and entities, including several based in China and Hong Kong, accused of helping Iran procure materials used in Shahed drone production.
Treasury warned it was prepared to impose secondary sanctions on any foreign financial institution, including those tied to Chinese independent oil refineries, found to be facilitating Iranian commerce.
Rubio, speaking after meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, pressed European allies to actively support reopening the strait. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe shared the goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and was working to narrow differences with Washington.