A fragile calm returned to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after days of clashes, yet the United States and Iran remained far from reaching an agreement to end more than two months of conflict. Washington continued waiting for Tehran’s response to its latest proposal aimed at formally ending the war before beginning broader negotiations on disputed issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, concerns over regional stability and global energy security continued growing across international markets.
Read more : Gulf clashes threaten fragile US-Iran ceasefire –
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expected a response from Tehran within hours, but no official reaction emerged from Iranian authorities by Saturday evening. Rubio also met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Miami, where both sides discussed cooperation aimed at maintaining stability and reducing security threats across the Middle East. However, officials avoided directly commenting on Iran during the meeting.
In a significant development, a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker sailed toward the Strait of Hormuz on its way to Pakistan after reportedly receiving approval from Iran for safe passage. Sources described the move as an effort to build confidence among mediating countries, including Qatar and Pakistan, which have supported diplomatic efforts since the conflict began. Furthermore, the voyage could become the first successful transit by a Qatari LNG vessel through the strait since the war started.
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Recent clashes near the strategic waterway continued testing the ceasefire announced in April, with Iranian and US forces reporting several confrontations in and around the strait. Iranian media claimed sporadic exchanges occurred between Iranian naval units and American vessels, while the US military confirmed striking two Iran-linked ships attempting to reach an Iranian port. Consequently, fears of further escalation remained high despite temporary signs of reduced military activity in the region.
The conflict has already disrupted global energy markets because nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz under stable conditions. Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping since the conflict erupted following US-Israeli airstrikes launched on February 28, significantly increasing tensions throughout the Gulf region. In addition, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, leaving several people injured during renewed attacks.
While Washington continued pursuing diplomatic talks, it also expanded sanctions targeting individuals and companies allegedly helping Iran acquire materials used in manufacturing Shahed drones and military equipment. The new sanctions included entities based in China and Hong Kong just days before President Donald Trump prepares to visit China for high-level meetings with President Xi Jinping. Therefore, diplomatic pressure and military tensions continued rising simultaneously as global powers searched for ways to prevent wider regional instability.