Iran offers maritime, medical support in Strait of Hormuz amid renewed US talks

Iran on Thursday said its ports were fully prepared to provide maritime, technical and medical support services to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and regional waters, as Tehran and Washington appeared to move closer to a possible agreement to end their two-month conflict.

In an official message issued by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization and carried by state-run IRNA, the country said all ships travelling in the region could access services including fuel supplies, provisions, medical assistance and authorised repair support.

The message, addressed to ship commanders and owners, said vessels could contact the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centres of the nearest Iranian port through VHF channel 16 for assistance.

The organisation said the move was aimed at ensuring maritime safety, improving vessel seaworthiness and supporting the welfare of seafarers in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

The announcement came amid renewed diplomatic activity between Iran and the United States over a proposal to end hostilities and easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran was expected to hand over its response to mediators on Thursday regarding a US proposal to end the conflict, reported CNN citing a regional source.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington had held “very good talks” with Tehran over the previous 24 hours.

“We’re in good shape,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “It’s very possible that we’ll make a deal.”

He also reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” and claimed Tehran had agreed to that demand, though there has been no official confirmation from Iran.

Asked if there’s a deadline for Iran’s response on the US proposal, Trump said, “Never a deadline; it’ll happen. It’ll happen, but never a deadline.”

According to US media reports, the White House is seeking a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran that would end hostilities and establish a framework for detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The proposed arrangement reportedly includes a temporary halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, lifting of US sanctions, release of frozen Iranian assets and easing of restrictions on maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN reported that the memorandum would trigger a 30-day period for negotiations over nuclear issues, unfreezing of Iranian funds and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the conflict could soon end and that oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could resume if Iran accepted the terms under discussion.

“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” Trump wrote.

He also warned that if no agreement was reached, “the bombing starts” at a “much higher level and intensity than it was before.”