US wants Iran to pledge to stop shooting at ships in Strait of Hormuz
BBC News 2026-07-11 04:56:33
Context: The United States is seeking a public pledge from Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and to stop firing on commercial ships, as part of ongoing negotiations set to take place in Oman on Saturday. The talks come after a recent escalation in tensions, which saw three ships struck while using a US-recommended route through Omani waters. The US and Iran had previously agreed to a ceasefire in June, which included Iran allowing safe passage to commercial ships.
Key Facts
- The US wants Iran to publicly state that the Strait of Hormuz is open and to pledge to stop firing on commercial ships as part of negotiations due to be held in Oman on Saturday.
- US media cited unnamed officials as saying Tehran had privately acknowledged to President Donald Trump's advisers that the shooting at ships was a mistake, though the Iranians reportedly pinned the blame on a rogue internal group.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his country had "kept its word" on the ceasefire, saying on X that the US had violated the deal.
- A delegation from Qatar travelled to Iran on Friday for talks aimed at defusing tensions and easing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US and Iran agreed on a 14-point memorandum of understanding last month, which was aimed at extending a ceasefire and ending conflict "on all fronts", including talks between Iran and Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the strait.