US‑Iran nuclear talks stall after Strait of Hormuz tensions

Negotiations between the United States and Iran entered a second technical round but ended without progress, as both sides cited heightened tension in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks were meant to follow a pre‑agreement signed in June that set a 60‑day deadline for opening nuclear discussions, yet no nuclear agenda was opened. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan said the recent four‑day exchange of bombings in the Hormuz corridor and Iran’s demand that all vessels obtain permission before transiting the strait have halted the dialogue.

Iran is also observing an official mourning period for the recently assassinated supreme leader, delaying the next meeting until late next week. U.S. officials, including the president and the vice‑president, described earlier contacts as positive but reiterated that nuclear issues remain a priority. Iran has indicated it may impose a service fee on ships crossing the strait, a move opposed by regional oil‑exporting nations.

The impasse keeps the nuclear question in limbo and raises the risk of further regional escalation, while discussions on frozen Iranian assets and possible fee structures continue behind the scenes.