Washington, July 10 -- US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington had agreed to continue talks with Iran after receiving a request from Tehran, even as he declared that the June ceasefire between the two countries was "over". His remarks came amid the biggest escalation since the June memorandum of understanding, with both sides exchanging attacks over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "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 did not immediately confirm Trump's claim that it had sought further negotiations. Washington and Tehran have repeatedly offered differing accounts of their contacts throughout the conflict, which began on February 28.
The latest exchange of fire followed attacks this week involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire, prompting US strikes on Iranian sites and retaliatory Iranian attacks on US military installations in neighbouring Gulf states on Thursday. No new attacks were reported on Friday.
According to US Central Command, American forces have struck about 170 targets in Iran since Tuesday, while Iran has targeted US assets across the region.
The June 17 memorandum of understanding had called for an immediate halt to fighting, the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, both countries have accused each other of violating the agreement.
Disagreements over navigation through the strategic waterway remain a key source of tension. Iran has argued that the agreement allows it to influence the movement of ships through the strait, while the United States maintains that the deal guarantees free passage for commercial vessels.
Qatari negotiators met Iranian officials on Friday in an effort to reduce tensions and discuss implementation of the memorandum, including the navigation dispute, according to a source familiar with the talks. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported that a Qatari delegation had visited Tehran as Doha sought to continue its role as a mediator.
Trump did not clarify whether the proposed talks would focus on ending the renewed hostilities or address broader issues such as Iran's nuclear programme, frozen Iranian assets and the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices eased on Friday but were still on track for weekly gains of about 5 per cent as concerns over shipping disruptions and global energy supplies persisted.with agency inputs
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.