President Donald Trump says negotiations with Iran are underway as his administration pushes for an agreement that could avert another major round of U.S. strikes. Iran, however, is publicly disputing that account, saying it is not currently negotiating with Washington.
The conflicting statements come as the United States and Iran remain locked in a dangerous standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials say their current discussions are with Oman and center on arrangements that could allow ships to move more safely through the critical waterway. Trump has described the diplomatic effort more broadly, saying talks with Iran are taking place and warning that Tehran faces a final opportunity to reach an agreement.
The uncertainty took on new urgency Tuesday after a cargo vessel reported being struck by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident did not immediately establish who was responsible, but it underscored the continuing risks to commercial shipping in a waterway that normally carries roughly one-fifth (about 20 million barrels per day) of the world’s oil supplies.
Shipping through the strait remains severely disrupted. Reuters reported that only six tankers and bulk carriers were recorded passing through on Monday, compared with more than 100 vessels during normal peacetime conditions. Oil prices also climbed more than 2% Tuesday after falling sharply a day earlier, as traders reconsidered expectations that a diplomatic agreement could quickly ease the conflict.
For now, regional governments continue trying to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran while the United States holds off on another major attack. But with the two governments publicly offering different accounts of whether direct negotiations are even happening, the path toward an agreement — and a return to normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors — remains uncertain.
