US and Iran Await Response Amid Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

Relative calm prevailed around the Strait of Hormuz early on Sunday after days of sporadic flare-ups, as the United States awaited Iran's response to its latest proposals to end more than two months of fighting and begin peace talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Washington expected a response within hours. However, there have been no signs of movement from Tehran on the proposal, which would formally end the war before addressing more contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear program.

Rubio met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Miami on Saturday to discuss the need to continue working together "to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East," according to a State Department statement that did not mention Iran.

A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday en route to Pakistan, according to shipping data. Sources indicated that this move was approved by Iran to build confidence with Qatar and Pakistan, both mediators in the conflict. If completed, it would mark the first transit of a Qatari LNG vessel through the strait since the U.S. and Israel initiated military actions on February 28.

Tehran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping through the narrow strait, which previously carried one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the strait since a ceasefire began a month ago, with the United Arab Emirates coming under renewed attack on Friday.

On Friday, there were sporadic clashes between Iranian forces and U.S. vessels in the strait, as reported by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. The U.S. military stated it struck two Iran-linked vessels attempting to enter an Iranian port, forcing them to turn back.

A bulk carrier reported being struck by a projectile northeast of Doha, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations on Sunday. A small fire was extinguished, with no casualties or environmental impact reported. Authorities are investigating the source of the projectile.

Iranian Army Spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated on Sunday that vessels from states adhering to U.S. sanctions against Iran would face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iranian lawmakers are drafting a bill to formalize Iran's management of the strait, including clauses that would forbid passage to vessels of "hostile states."

Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian vessels last month. However, a CIA assessment indicated that Iran would not suffer severe economic pressure from the U.S. blockade for about another four months, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. This raises questions about President Donald Trump's leverage over Tehran in a conflict that has been unpopular with voters and U.S. allies.

A senior intelligence official characterized as false the "claims" about the CIA analysis, which was first reported by the Washington Post.

Trump stated on Thursday that the ceasefire was holding despite the flare-ups, while Iran accused the U.S. of breaching it. "Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure," Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday.

The U.S. has found little international support in the conflict. After meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday, Rubio questioned why Italy and other allies were not backing Washington's efforts to reopen the strait, warning of a dangerous precedent if Tehran were allowed to control an international waterway.

Britain, working with France on a proposal to ensure safe transit through the strait once the situation stabilizes, announced on Saturday the deployment of a warship to the Middle East in preparation for such a multinational mission.