US pushes Iran for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz as tensions simmer
MANILA, Philippines — The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries a fifth of the world's oil, remains a flashpoint as the United States presses Iran for a public pledge to keep shipping lanes open. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Oman on Saturday for talks mediated by the Gulf state, as both sides seek to avoid a wider conflict that has already rattled global markets and raised fuel prices.
US President Donald Trump announced Friday that the ceasefire between the two sides is over, but that talks would continue. No attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday, offering a fragile pause in hostilities that have killed thousands since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28.
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why does it matter?
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the war, it handled about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Iran has largely taken control of the waterway during the conflict, forcing a stalemate with the world's most powerful military. The US now demands that Tehran publicly commit to stopping attacks on ships and keeping all lanes open without tolls.
Are US and Iran really talking?
Iranian state media confirmed Araqchi's arrival in Oman, with the sultanate acting as a mediator. CBS News and the BBC reported that US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to lead negotiations on Saturday. Reuters could not immediately confirm these reports, and Iran's Fars news agency later cited a source saying no talks would occur until the US retreats from its positions.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Iran disputed this, saying it had not requested talks but agreed to host a Qatari mediator. Qatari negotiators met officials in Iran on Friday to de-escalate tensions.
What triggered the latest escalation?
Three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire earlier this week. The US responded by hitting Iranian sites, and Iran struck US military sites in Gulf states. While Iran has not claimed responsibility for the ship attacks, analysts say Tehran uses such actions for leverage. Senior US officials said Iran told them the attacks came from an “errant part of their system,” a comment aimed at calming nerves.
The flareup pushed oil prices higher, a politically sensitive issue for Trump ahead of November congressional elections. After weeks of declines, crude oil prices posted their biggest weekly rise in eight weeks.
What about the assassination threats?
Trump also posted that he had ordered the US military to prepare to launch strikes if Iran attempts to assassinate him. “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he wrote. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel shared intelligence with Washington that Iran had recently devised a plan to kill Trump. Iran did not immediately comment.
At the funeral of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday, a huge crowd packed a courtyard, some bearing banners reading, “We Will Kill Trump.” Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war.
How many have died so far?
At least 17 people were killed in US strikes on six cities in Iran on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Iran's Health Ministry. Another 115 were wounded. The conflict, now in its fifth month, has killed thousands, throttled worldwide energy supplies, and raised fears of a global economic downturn.
Even so, US officials said conversations between the two countries had been productive in recent days. Tehran warned that any breach of commitments by Washington would be met with “reciprocal action.”
For now, the world watches the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow passage where the fate of global energy markets and regional stability hangs in the balance.