Middle East Situation Tracker: US and Iran to Continue Talks, Iranian Foreign Minister to Visit Oman on Saturday to Discuss Hormuz Strait Issues

Tensions in the Middle East remain high. U.S. President Donald Trump said he has agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, but the temporary ceasefire has ended. The U.S. has demanded Iran commit to halting attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz by Saturday, adding it will continue strikes on Iran if necessary. Iran responded that it has never put forward a negotiation demand with the U.S., but agreed to allow mediators to visit the country. Iran’s parliamentary speaker stated that Iran will not surrender and will adopt comprehensive defense measures if the U.S. "breaks its trust". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will lead a delegation to Oman on Saturday for talks on the Strait of Hormuz issue and bilateral relations. Additionally, sources said the U.S., Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar may hold a four-way call, with a Qatari envoy already arriving in Iran for emergency mediation. Israeli sources said Trump currently does not want Israel to join direct combat to avoid further escalation of tensions, but other reports indicate Israel still intends to participate in strikes on Iran and is waiting for the U.S. side’s position. Meanwhile, the U.S. announced a new round of sanctions targeting financial backers linked to Mojtaba and Iran’s currency exchange networks. France called on Iran to immediately and unconditionally open the Strait of Hormuz and allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect relevant nuclear facilities.