US to continue Iran talks after military strikes - WSJ
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
On Tuesday, July 7 (Wednesday in Kyiv), the US carried out new airstrikes along Iran's coast and revoked the oil sales license in response to Iran's attack on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. However, Washington is ready to continue negotiations on an agreement, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A US official told the publication that Iran's actions in the strait are considered unacceptable and warrant a harsh response. At the same time, Washington, specifically after its attack, believes that the ceasefire regime is still in effect.
"The U.S. would continue to negotiate with Iran toward a final agreement," the source added.
Background
After the conclusion of the framework agreement, the US continues to coordinate actions with commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz via the route that Washington approved near the coast of Oman.
However, over the weekend, the IRGC warned that they are ready to strike vessels if they use the route promoted by the US and Oman.
Indeed, on Tuesday morning, Iran launched drones and anti-ship cruise missiles at vessels attempting to cross the southern route. According to US officials, three vessels were hit.
In response, the US revoked the license that allowed the sale of Iranian oil. As a result of this decision, oil prices jumped again.
Already on the night of July 8 (Kyiv time), the US Central Command announced that it had begun a series of more powerful strikes on Iran in response to the Iranian attack on commercial vessels.
The media reported that among the targets struck were Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, launchers, anti-ship cruise missiles, drone launch sites, and Iranian port facilities.
By the way, Axios sources reported that the new attacks were 4–5 times larger and more powerful than the strikes carried out about 10 days ago. Additionally, sources said the strike plan was personally approved by US President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Türkiye.
In mid-June, the US and Iran concluded a framework agreement that extended the ceasefire and paved the way for the parties to discuss all major issues to reach a final agreement to end the war within 60 days.
