U.S.-Iran Talks Continue Amid Hormuz Tensions
U.S. and Iranian officials are set to continue negotiations in Oman on Saturday as both sides attempt to preserve a fragile ceasefire that was disrupted by a recent exchange of attacks in the Middle East, according to multiple reports.
The talks are being conducted through Omani mediators after tensions escalated following attacks linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has raised concerns over regional stability and the security of one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Iranian officials privately told U.S. advisers that the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were a mistake and were carried out by a hardline faction seeking to disrupt diplomatic efforts, senior U.S. officials said. Tehran has reportedly indicated that it wants to continue negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on Saturday ahead of the discussions. Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Araghchi would meet with Omani officials and discuss issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. delegation is expected to include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
Ceasefire Dispute
The latest crisis followed a breakdown of a ceasefire agreement reached under a June memorandum of understanding signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s leadership. Both countries have accused the other of violating the agreement.
Iranian officials said Saturday that Tehran had upheld its commitments under the memorandum and accused Washington of breaching the deal by taking actions that included additional pressure on Iran.
Iran’s Ministry of Health said U.S. strikes earlier in the week killed 17 people and injured 115 others across several Iranian cities. The ministry said some injured individuals had undergone surgery while others had been discharged after treatment.
Trump Issues Warning to Tehran
President Trump warned Iran on Friday that the United States would respond forcefully if Tehran attempted to harm him.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said U.S. forces were prepared to respond with overwhelming military action if Iran carried out any assassination attempt.
The warning came after Iranian officials and supporters reportedly made threats against Trump following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Negotiations Continue Despite Tensions
U.S. officials said the administration expects Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and returns to conditions that existed before the recent escalation.
Washington has warned that it will use diplomatic, economic, and military measures if Iran continues hostile actions, while Tehran has accused the U.S. of violating the terms of the June agreement. The Oman talks are expected to focus on restoring stability, maintaining the ceasefire, and preventing further escalation between the two countries.
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