The US warned of “grave consequences” in the event of hostile Iranian activity in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Arabiya reported Saturday citing sources.
Washington has also demanded a written commitment from Iran that it will not target tankers in the Strait of Hormuz again, according to the sources.
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The report highlighted that the US warned Iran through intermediaries that it will respond to attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that a lack of response from Tehran would result in an escalation of military action.
Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Oman on Saturday to discuss arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said, with Washington seeking a public pledge of free, secure transit. US President Donald Trump said on Friday the US and Iran had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week, while also declaring an end to the ceasefire reached between the two sides. No attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday, however. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said on Saturday that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in Oman. The country is helping to mediate an end to a war that has spread insecurity in the Gulf and raised prices around the world since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. CBS News and its UK partner the BBC both 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 with Araghchi. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the reports, which did not say whether they would be in Oman or attend virtually. Iran’s Fars news agency later cited a source saying no negotiations would take place until the US retreated from its positions.
