US, Iran no closer to ending war as Qatari tanker sails toward Strait of Hormuz
Yahoo News UK • • world
Key Points:
- Relative calm was observed around the Strait of Hormuz after days of sporadic clashes, as the U.S. awaited Iran's response to proposals aimed at ending the conflict and initiating peace talks.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected a response from Tehran within hours, but no movement has been reported, while diplomatic discussions continued with regional partners like Qatar.
- A Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker was approved by Iran to transit the strait, potentially marking the first such passage since the conflict began, signaling a possible confidence-building measure.
- Despite a ceasefire, recent flare-ups included U.S. strikes on Iran-linked vessels and attacks near Doha, with Iran drafting legislation to restrict passage of vessels from "hostile states" through the strait.
- The U.S. faces limited international support for its blockade of Iranian shipping, with Britain preparing to deploy a warship for a multinational mission to secure safe transit through the strait once stability returns.
