UNIPA News | WASHINGTON D.C | 17 JULY-The White House said Iran continues to engage in discussions with the United States and has expressed interest in reaching a new agreement despite the latest escalation in military hostilities between the two countries.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the recent US strikes were launched after Washington concluded that Iran had violated a previously agreed Memorandum of Understanding by firing on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. She stated that the agreement required Iran not to interfere with commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

Leavitt said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to vessels not traveling to or from Iranian ports and added that the US Navy continues operations in the area to ensure freedom of navigation.

The latest exchange of military action has significantly intensified tensions between the two countries. The United States carried out two major waves of airstrikes on Wednesday, primarily targeting sites along Iran’s southern coast, and continued military operations on Thursday.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US military bases in neighboring countries, including attacks targeting a US air base in Jordan. Iranian state media also reported additional US strikes near Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas, home to Iran’s largest commercial port and key naval and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities.

The United States also announced renewed enforcement measures against Iranian maritime activity, including the blockade of Iranian ports. According to US military officials, American forces targeted a tanker near Kharg Island during the operation.

Iran has also signaled the possibility of expanding the regional confrontation through its Houthi allies in Yemen. According to reports, Tehran could encourage the Houthis to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if further US attacks on Iranian infrastructure occur.

Despite the heightened conflict, diplomatic contacts appear to remain active. President Donald Trump welcomed the release of a US citizen detained in Iran, describing it as a “gesture of goodwill.” Human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified the individual as Dena Karari, stating that she had been detained in Iran since December 2024 and was returning to the United States. Iranian authorities had not publicly commented on the case at the time of reporting.