As tensions over the critical shipping route continue to rise, Vice President JD Vance said the United States has ruled out restarting talks with Iran until Tehran stops attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington was not ready to return to talks as long as Iran targets commercial shipping, Vance told reporters Thursday. “We’re not going to talk to the Iranians while they’re shooting at commercial ships,” Vance said, according to reports.
His remarks come as conflict between the United States and Iran continues and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is severely disrupted. The waterway is a key transit point for world oil shipments and the standoff is a major concern for energy markets.
Vance also said “all options” are on the table as the administration looks at how it will respond to Iran’s actions.
The latest escalation comes after US strikes on Iranian military targets and Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. Washington said its military operations are partly aimed at protecting commercial shipping and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
The standoff has also driven oil prices higher, with Brent crude approaching $96 a barrel on Friday.
