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Iran and the United States trade messages as Hormuz stays shut and Algeria urges restraint

1 November 2026 · Algeria Now

ALGIERS — Iran said on Saturday that fresh American outreach was a "positive step", as Qatari and Pakistani mediators tried to revive a truce with Washington and avoid new strikes. Eight months into a war that has throttled the Strait of Hormuz, the standoff matters well beyond the Gulf, including for Algeria, an energy exporter whose ships use that route.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has studied a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but sees no need yet to meet American officials. Iranian reports say the letter seeks nuclear commitments, including inspections and a decision on enriched uranium, which Iran says it will not ship abroad. President Donald Trump said the letter concerned medical supplies, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no decision had been made on resuming military action.

Iran offers to reopen the strait within days if the June memorandum of understanding with Washington is restored. It also demands an end to the US naval blockade of its ports, oil sanctions waivers and the release of frozen funds, including about six billion dollars held in Qatar. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered a response with no geographic limit to any new attack.

At sea, the damage continues. Iranian state television said at least six tankers were hit by explosions in recent days. In the week ending 28 October, transits were about 70 per cent below pre-war levels. Iranian commentators warn that fighting could resume after the US midterm elections on 3 November.

Algeria's position

The war began on 28 February with a US-Israeli offensive on Iran. Algeria has consistently called for restraint and dialogue. On 15 June its Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the framework agreement to end military operations, praised the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar and urged all parties to honour their commitments.

On 3 October President Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirmed that Algerian vessels continue to transit Hormuz. He said Algeria bears no responsibility for the crisis and has no quarrel with anyone, and he presented those voyages as a contribution to oil market stability.

That stance echoes principles Algiers invokes elsewhere: refusal of force between states under the UN Charter, peaceful settlement of disputes and freedom of navigation.

What comes next

The coming days will show whether mediators can agree a first sequence of steps, such as reopening the strait in exchange for sanctions relief. A breakdown would raise risks for shipping and energy markets, and strengthen the case for the diplomatic route Algeria favours.

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Iran and the United States trade messages as Hormuz stays shut and Algeria urges restraint

Algeria's position

What comes next

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