A senior U.S. official has confirmed to Al Jazeera that Washington remains committed to diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, even as both nations engaged in a series of military strikes this week. The attacks mark the most significant escalation since the two countries signed a 60-day negotiation memorandum of understanding on June 17.

The recent hostilities began when the U.S. conducted targeted strikes against 85 Iranian military installations on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. This action came in response to attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on commercial vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces claimed the ships had deviated from Tehran-approved maritime routes through the critical waterway.

Iran retaliated swiftly with precision strikes against U.S. military assets across Gulf states on Wednesday. This prompted additional U.S. operations targeting 90 locations in Iran on Wednesday night and throughout Thursday. Iranian officials allege these subsequent strikes impacted civilian infrastructure in southern coastal regions and eastern provinces, further destabilizing the fragile ceasefire agreement that had held for just three weeks.

The memorandum of understanding, intended to create space for substantive negotiations, now faces its sternest test amidst the renewed violence. However, U.S. officials maintain the diplomatic channel remains open, with technical teams continuing preparations for comprehensive peace discussions.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes daily, has become ground zero for these tensions. Regional analysts warn the waterway’s security remains precarious as both nations appear locked in a cycle of provocation and response.

Meanwhile, internal dynamics in both countries complicate the situation. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains a focal point as the nation prepares for significant leadership transitions. In Washington, political rhetoric continues to frame Iran as a primary security challenge.

International observers emphasize that while both sides publicly commit to negotiations, the recent exchange of firepower demonstrates how quickly diplomatic progress can unravel. The coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether the memorandum can withstand these military escalations or if the region faces a broader confrontation.