US-Iran negotiations stall amid Strait of Hormuz dispute — FT

Sources say discussions on restoring the operation of the waterway remain a key stumbling block due to conflicting positions.

In particular, Iran insists on maintaining control over the strait and charging fees to vessels passing through it.

Iranian participants in the talks have also rejected proposals for joint control, despite a high-level meeting between US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's wartime leader Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

One source added that negotiators are currently holding a working dinner, after which technical discussions are scheduled for later that same evening.

Ceasefire, talks, 'victory'

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also said the countries intend to reach a final agreement within that time.

Iran, for its part, reopened the strait and soon closed it again. The move followed the Israeli bombing of Lebanon. At the same time, media reports today indicated that another reason is Iran's inability to locate and neutralize its own sea mines.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said the United States has begun clearing mines in the strait, and media reports indicated that several US Navy ships entered the waterway but later left. The Pentagon has confirmed that US naval forces passed through the Strait of Hormuz and conducted operations to ensure safe passage from naval mines.

At the same time, Trump has accused the media of spreading false reports that the United States lost the war. According to him, US forces completely destroyed Iran's military, including its navy and air force.

All of this takes place amid ongoing US-Iran talks in Pakistan, where Vice President JD Vance has arrived to represent the American side.