US officials are set to resume negotiations with Iran in Oman on Saturday, with Vice-President JD Vance among those expected to take part. The talks seek to persuade Tehran to pledge to stop shooting at ships in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway, connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The US has repeatedly accused Iran of attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns about global fuel prices and maritime security. Tehran has maintained that its actions are defensive measures against US and its allies, while Washington views them as an affront to regional stability.

Negotiations aimed at ending Strait of Hormuz attacks

On Saturday morning, a US delegation is due to meet with Iranian officials in Oman, with JD Vance joining negotiations alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The talks are focused on securing a commitment from Tehran to refrain from attacks on shipping in the Strait. If successful, this would be a significant breakthrough in US-Iran relations, which have remained strained since the 2015 nuclear deal was scrapped. Overnight, US State Department officials indicated that the negotiations would prioritize finding common ground between the two nations, and not just a temporary ceasefire. Iran has previously denied any intention of attacking ships in the Strait, with officials insisting that their actions are aimed at targeting vessels linked to the US and its allies. US officials, however, continue to blame Iran for the series of attacks, which have targeted ships from various nations, including the UK. US warships, which are present in the Gulf, may also play a role in pressuring Iran to adhere to any new agreement. According to sources close to the negotiations, Washington is ready to offer concessions to Tehran in exchange for a commitment to stop attacks on shipping, although the terms of any deal have not been disclosed. Saturday marks the resumption of talks following a previous round in April, which broke down over disagreements about Iran's nuclear programme. With the Strait of Hormuz attacks persisting and US-Iran tensions running high, the success of these negotiations could be critical in averting further escalation.
US warships in the Gulf