The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has said Washington is awaiting a response from Iran to proposals for an interim ceasefire deal, as fighting continues around the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in Rome, Rubio expressed hope for a serious offer that could lead to negotiations, despite recent clashes that have tested the fragile truce announced last month.
Violence has escalated in recent days, with US forces disabling two Iranian-flagged tankers attempting to breach the American blockade of Iran's ports. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the US of breaking the ceasefire, posting on X that Washington opts for reckless military adventures whenever a diplomatic solution is on the table.
Pakistan has acted as a mediator, passing a brief memorandum to Iran that the US says could serve as a basis for a more solid ceasefire and renewed talks. President Donald Trump told reporters he expects a response from Iran soon, adding that he was supposedly receiving a letter that evening.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz and the threat to attack Gulf infrastructure remain key cards for Iran in negotiations. The US has blockaded Iran to pressure Tehran, while Iran boasts of expanded ballistic missile stocks. An Iranian official reported that US strikes hit a cargo vessel, wounding 10 sailors, with five missing. US Central Command said Iranian forces launched missiles and drones at three US warships, but none were hit.
The United Arab Emirates said it responded to another Iranian missile barrage, with three people wounded after air defences engaged two ballistic missiles and three drones. Iran has frequently targeted UAE civilian infrastructure during the conflict.
The US proposal is believed to offer a formal ceasefire for at least 60 days, leading to talks on issues including Iran's nuclear programme. Trump has threatened a major new offensive unless agreement is reached soon, but hopes for an interim deal before his trip to China next week now appear premature.
