A United States official has told Al Jazeera that despite launching attacks on Iran over two days this week, Washington remains committed to negotiations with Tehran. Technical talks for a lasting peace deal will continue, the official assured.

From Tuesday night to Thursday this week, the US and Iran traded attacks in a major escalation of hostilities. This follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17, which triggered a 60-day negotiation period.

The US initially launched attacks on 85 targets in Iran on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. These strikes came after commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC claimed the ships were not adhering to a route approved by Iran.

Iran retaliated with attacks on US military assets and infrastructure in Gulf states on Wednesday. This prompted further US attacks on 90 Iranian targets on Wednesday night and again on Thursday. Iran claimed the Thursday strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in its southern coastal and eastern provinces, further endangering the fragile three-week-old ceasefire pact.

The recent hostilities have raised concerns about the future of the negotiations. However, the US official emphasized that talks will persist despite the escalation. The MoU, signed on June 17, remains a foundation for ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The situation remains tense as both nations navigate a complex path toward peace. The US and Iran are under increasing pressure to resolve their differences, but the latest violence underscores the challenges ahead.

The attacks have also drawn international attention. Observers are closely monitoring developments, hoping for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, remains a focal point of the conflict.

As negotiations continue, the world watches to see if diplomacy can prevail over military action. The US and Iran must find a way to bridge their differences and work toward lasting peace.