Muscat, Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Oman on Saturday to discuss arrangements for the safe transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported. The visit comes as the United States seeks a public commitment to free and secure passage through the waterway.
Talks and ceasefire dispute
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation in hostilities this week, while declaring that the ceasefire between the two sides had ended. No attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday.
Tasnim, Iran’s semi-official news agency, said Oman was helping mediate efforts to end the conflict, which has increased insecurity in the Gulf and contributed to rising global prices since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began on February 28.
CBS News and the BBC reported that US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, were expected to lead talks with Araqchi on Saturday.
Reuters said it could not immediately verify the reports, which did not specify whether any discussions would take place in Oman or virtually. Fars news agency later cited a source as saying negotiations would not occur until the United States withdrew from its positions.
Shipping incidents
Araqchi accused the United States of violating the interim ceasefire agreement after Washington revoked a license authorizing sales of Iranian crude on Tuesday, following attacks on vessels.
“There can only be mutual compliance,” Araqchi wrote on X.
Three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers were fired upon earlier this week, prompting US strikes on Iranian sites. Iran then carried out strikes on US military facilities in Gulf states.
Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks on the ships. Analysts have said Tehran uses such actions to gain leverage in negotiations.