A fragile calm settled over the Strait of Hormuz after days of renewed clashes, as the United States awaited Iran's response to its latest proposal to formally end more than two months of fighting and begin peace talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump had indicated a reply was expected within hours, but Tehran had yet to respond, dismissing attention to 'deadlines' while questioning Washington's commitment to diplomacy.

The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and heightened concerns about the world economy, particularly ahead of President Trump's upcoming visit to China. Recent flareups around the strategic waterway, along with renewed attacks on the United Arab Emirates, have tested a month-old ceasefire.

Regional and international actors are intensifying diplomatic efforts. Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar have all called for sustained negotiations, with Qatar emerging as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran. Meanwhile, Bahrain announced arrests of individuals allegedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, prompting a warning from Tehran against siding with the United States.

Iran has largely blocked the vital shipping lane since the conflict began in late February, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. The United Kingdom is preparing to deploy a naval destroyer as part of a planned multinational mission with France to secure maritime traffic, contingent on a sustainable ceasefire and safe conditions for commercial shipping.