US seeks free Hormuz access from Iran as talks focus on strait

Source: msn/Reuters

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DUBAI/WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) - Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his Omani counterpart on Saturday discussed arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington seeks a public pledge of free, secure transit.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday the U.S. and Iran had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week, while also declaring an end to the ceasefire between the two countries.

No attacks were reported on Friday or Saturday, however. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the U.S., Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed to negotiate in a call that mediators were trying to arrange for Saturday while Araqchi is in Oman.

It was not immediately clear whether the efforts were successful, but Araqchi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi "exchanged views on appropriate mechanisms for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz," in accordance with the ceasefire deal, according to a statement from the Iranian foreign minister. Oman's state news agency later said that Omani and Iranian negotiators would continue talks "at the technical and political levels."

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/us-seeks-free-hormuz-access-from-iran-as-talks-focus-on-strait/ar-AA27I2fo