US to Focus Negotiations with Iran on Nuclear Programme

Washington (ANTARA) - The administration of US President Donald Trump has informed Persian Gulf nations that in upcoming talks with Tehran, Washington will focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than the reopening of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported, citing several sources.

According to three sources, Trump administration officials privately informed Gulf nations that Washington wants the next US-Iran talks to focus on Tehran’s nuclear programme, instead of discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the television station reported.

On 28 February, the US and Israel began launching attacks against several targets in Iran, which subsequently triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran.

In mid-June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding to cease hostilities, although both parties later resumed launching attacks against one another.

To date, the conflict remains unresolved.

The escalation of the conflict has brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to near a standstill. The Strait serves as a primary supply route for the global market for oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. As a result, fuel prices have increased in most countries worldwide.