The United States and Iran remain locked in a military confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching an agreement to end the war.

President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” against Iran on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched extensive joint strikes targeting Iranian military, government and infrastructure sites.

Months of fighting followed, raising tensions across the Middle East and disrupting international shipping and energy markets.

In June, delegations from Washington and Tehran began negotiations aimed at securing a broader peace agreement. The talks were based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries and intended to establish a framework for ending hostilities.

Despite the diplomatic initiative, the United States and Iran have continued to exchange military strikes, repeatedly threatening efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central flashpoint in the conflict, with control and access to the strategically vital waterway becoming a major issue in negotiations.

The strait is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets and historically carrying a significant share of global oil and natural gas shipments.

Continued fighting around the waterway has heightened concerns about regional security, global energy supplies and the prospects of reaching a permanent agreement between Washington and Tehran.