U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington anticipates Iran's reply to proposals for a temporary agreement aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict, even as Tehran accuses America of violating the fragile ceasefire declared last month.

The past few days have witnessed the most severe outbreaks of combat in and around the disputed Strait of Hormuz since the unofficial truce took effect. This surge in hostilities followed President Donald Trump's declaration - and subsequent quick halt - of a fresh naval initiative designed to restore access to the crucial shipping route.

On Friday, U.S. forces targeted and neutralized two tankers flying Iran's flag after they tried to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports, according to the U.S. military.

Clashes notwithstanding, diplomatic channels remain active, with mediators from Pakistan delivering a concise memo to Iran that the U.S. views as a foundation for a firmer ceasefire and further discussions.

Addressing reporters at the White House on Friday evening, Trump indicated he expects Iran's feedback shortly. "I'm getting a letter supposedly tonight," he remarked. When questioned if Iran was deliberately delaying talks, he responded: "We'll find out soon enough."

While in Rome, Rubio commented: "We're expecting a response from them today at some point - I hope it's a serious offer, I really do - The hope is it's something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation."

Recent days have featured dramatic shifts between optimism and pessimism, as the U.S. and Iran probe each other's limits and determination, using tough talk, resistance, and intermittent strikes to gain bargaining power.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi charged the U.S. with ceasefire violations, writing on X on Friday: "Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the U.S. opts for a reckless military adventure."

Araghchi further claimed that Iran had not only rebuilt and replenished its ballistic missile inventory and launchers during the lull but also increased them.

Dominance over the strait and the potential to resume assaults on Gulf neighbors' oil facilities and other assets represent Iran's primary negotiation levers. The U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iran, halting all shipping connected to Iran from exiting the Gulf to intensify pressure on Tehran.

Destroying Iran's missile stockpiles and manufacturing sites was a top priority voiced by U.S. officials at the war's outset. Limiting them will likely feature prominently in any future bargaining.

An Iranian official reported Friday that U.S. strikes overnight in and near the Strait of Hormuz hit an Iranian cargo ship, injuring 10 crew members and leaving five unaccounted for. It remains unclear if the ship was the intended target.

U.S. Central Command reported that Iranian forces fired missiles, drones, and speedboats at three American warships overnight, but none struck, as U.S. defenses eliminated the threats and countered with attacks on Iranian shore installations.

Separately, the United Arab Emirates announced it countered another Iranian missile attack on Friday. The UAE defense ministry stated three individuals were hurt after interceptors engaged two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran. Success of all interceptions is uncertain. Officials urged the public to avoid debris.

Throughout the conflict, Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at the UAE, often damaging civilian sites like oil installations and high-end hotels.

Trump declared Thursday that the ceasefire endures, but earlier optimism for an "interim" pact between Tehran and Washington before his upcoming China trip now appears overly hasty.

Earlier Friday, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on people and firms accused of aiding Iran's military, including entities in China and Hong Kong. These measures precede Trump's Beijing visit by days.

The president downplayed the skirmishes, calling Thursday's actions a "just a love tap" - yet he has reiterated warnings of a large-scale offensive against Iran absent a prompt deal.

The U.S. offer reportedly includes a formal 60-day ceasefire paving the way for talks on thorny matters like Iran's nuclear activities. "They have to understand: if it doesn't get signed, they're going to have a lot of pain," Trump told journalists in Washington.

Despite widespread doubt, prospects of even a limited accord that might reopen the Strait of Hormuz propelled global stocks near all-time peaks Thursday, with oil prices plunging. Friday saw Brent crude barrel prices rebound.

In peacetime, the strait handles one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments. Its wartime shutdown has driven up worldwide fuel costs and risks a global downturn.

Pakistani authorities have voiced recent confidence in a possible breakthrough. Islamabad facilitated unsuccessful direct talks last month.

Monday, the U.S. military reported sinking six Iranian speedboats plus cruise missiles and drones, following Trump's dispatch of warships to escort stalled tankers through the strait.

Among hundreds of backed-up vessels, two reportedly transited under U.S. Navy guard, but the operation - dubbed Project Freedom - ended after roughly 48 hours, perhaps due to objections from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Trump said he suspended it to boost negotiation prospects.

In Washington Friday, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani conferred with JD Vance on Pakistan's mediation to end the war. Al-Thani "stressed the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region," per the Qatari foreign ministry's X post.

Experts note Iran's leadership is split on pursuing fresh U.S. talks or stalling, amid war-induced and blockade-fueled economic devastation.

Top Iranian figures have lately dismissed concessions publicly. Some seem keen to extend talks toward U.S. November midterms, when Trump's team might face urgency to end the war, potentially yielding Iran better terms.

Still, regional envoys warn Iran risks overreaching; a current deal could end the war with a win claim - tougher if full combat resumes. Without accord, Washington might declare victory and impose crippling sanctions alone, they suggest.

A U.S.-Iran pact could ease Lebanon strains too, where a distinct truce faces risks from an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut killing a Hezbollah commander - Iran's ally - on Wednesday. The U.S. said Friday it will host two days of "intensive talks" between Israel and Lebanon next week.

A fresh Israeli attack Friday killed four, including two women, in the southern Lebanese town of Toura, per the health ministry. Sirens wailed in northern Israeli cities after Lebanese shelling, the Israeli military reported.