The conflict involving Iran has reached its 60th day, as the United States reviews a proposal from Tehran aimed at halting the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz while disagreements over nuclear negotiations persist.
The plan under consideration would prioritise restoring traffic through the strategic waterway, with discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme potentially delayed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, stating that Tehran is considering a U.S. request to resume negotiations.
Putin said Russia would do everything it could to halt the war, while Iran blamed Washington for the failure of previous talks.
Tehran also condemned the seizure of two Iran-linked oil tankers, calling it “armed robbery on the high seas”.
In a joint statement led by Bahrain, dozens of countries called for the “urgent and unimpeded opening” of the Strait of Hormuz, as the United Nations warned of major global supply chain disruption.
Differences remain in Washington, where President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s proposal to delay nuclear discussions and wants the issue addressed at the outset.
Officials have indicated the possibility of separating nuclear talks from efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf states are likely to support prioritising the reopening of the waterway, aligning with Iran’s proposal.
Meanwhile, Israel reported a soldier killed in southern Lebanon and said it had begun striking Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa region despite a ceasefire in place since mid-April.
Hezbollah has rejected proposed talks with Israel, calling them a “grave sin” that would destabilise Lebanon.