A fire broke out in Iran following what US officials described as 'powerful' strikes, as the US regime demanded Tehran publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz open and pledge to stop firing on commercial ships ahead of negotiations scheduled for Saturday.
US media, citing unnamed officials, reported that Tehran had privately acknowledged to President Donald Trump's advisers that the shooting at ships was a mistake, though the Iranians reportedly blamed a rogue internal group for the attacks.
Trump stated that both sides have agreed to continue talks despite this week's fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. In June, the US and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement under which Iran was to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
Tehran claimed that an 'errant' sect of hardliners was trying to undermine negotiations by firing on commercial ships, senior US officials told CBS News. One official said: 'They [the Iranians] came back to the table and said, 'We screwed up. We made a mistake. Let's keep talking.''
In a briefing on Friday, US officials said a message had been conveyed to Tehran's leadership through regional mediators demanding Iran release a statement declaring the strait open and that it will stop shooting at commercial ships. 'They're either going to give us that statement or we're not having a good outcome for them,' one official said.
Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to lead the negotiations, which were expected to take place in Oman on Saturday. Meanwhile, a delegation from Qatar traveled to Iran on Friday for talks aimed at defusing tensions.
Trump wrote 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!'
No fresh attacks were reported on Friday after fighting broke out earlier this week, marking the worst exchange of fire since the interim deal in June. Three ships were struck while using a US-recommended route through Omani waters. Iran has repeatedly said the only 'safe' passage is a separate route through its waters.
Last month, the US and Iran agreed on a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at extending a ceasefire and ending conflict 'on all fronts'. Under the agreement, Iran and Oman must hold talks to define future administration and maritime services in the strait with other Gulf states.
During the conflict, Iran sought to assert its sovereignty over the strait, including by establishing the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority', which it said would manage 'safe passage permits'. Iran's Fars news agency reported that under the new deal, the strait would ultimately be managed by Iran in coordination with Oman, including possible 'service fees' for ships.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk