US Maintains Iran Nuclear Talks Despite Military Escalation in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has affirmed its commitment to diplomatic negotiations with Iran despite recent military escalations in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington confirmed that talks with Tehran will continue even after a series of US military strikes targeting over 80 Iranian sites, including air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radars, and missile platforms, as well as more than 60 fast boats of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. These operations aimed to disrupt Iran's ability to threaten international navigation, with US Central Command emphasizing readiness to act if Iran fails to comply with existing agreements.

In response, Iranian military leadership condemned the US strikes as blatant aggression and promised a "crushing" retaliation, rejecting any American role in managing maritime traffic through the strategic strait. The US Treasury recently revoked a temporary license allowing Iran to export oil until August, linking this move to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait, including a Qatari LNG tanker. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denounced the US actions and sanctions on social media, declaring the era of bullying and extortion over.

A US official described the Iranian attacks as "completely unacceptable" and stressed that the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran is performance-based, with any sanctions relief contingent on Iran's adherence, especially regarding freedom of navigation. Despite mounting economic and military pressure, US negotiators continue working in good faith toward a final agreement, reflecting Washington's strategy of combining military and economic pressure with diplomatic engagement. The Strait of Hormuz remains the most significant obstacle to a sustainable deal, with Iran demanding new arrangements for shipping management and transit fees, while the US insists on maintaining unimpeded maritime freedom and views attacks on commercial vessels as direct violations of prior agreements.