ALBAWABA — Iran has allegedly told the United States that the recent attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz was not deliberate, showing its desire to keep diplomatic lines open amid increasing tensions between the two countries.
The Wall Street Journal said that Iranian officials recently told Washington the event was a mistake and reiterated their readiness to continue negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. The message comes as both parties try to prevent the new incident from derailing ongoing diplomatic talks.
Even with Iran’s reassurances, top officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s cabinet still appear doubtful about the odds of a comprehensive nuclear deal. U.S. officials warned that any further disruption to international trade via the Strait of Hormuz would have catastrophic consequences and further complicate negotiations.
The article added Washington has also called on Tehran to make a public declaration confirming its resolve to maintain the crucial waterway open to international marine trade and to stop attacks on commercial vessels. There’s been no schedule for such an announcement.
The diplomatic debate follows Trump's comments that the ceasefire with Iran was practically over, with his government divided on whether to continue negotiations or increase military pressure to halt Tehran's nuclear program.
The present interim framework allows a maximum of 60 days for both sides to negotiate a broader deal, with the option of an extension, the report said. Future talks are likely to focus on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, long-term limits on its nuclear activities, and guarantees for the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, issues that will probably determine whether diplomacy can survive the latest escalation.
