Ship reported on fire in Strait of Hormuz as Iran says it downed US drone

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Ship on fire in Hormuz as Iran claims US drone downed; Vance proposes restarting talks

On Thursday a British maritime agency reported a ship on fire in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, while Iran said it shot down another US drone. Earlier, US Vice President Vance wrote to an Iranian official proposing an immediate resumption of comprehensive talks, including on Iran's nuclear program. Trump denies peace talks are under way, and Iran's foreign minister says Iran is in close contact with mediators on its seven-day plan to reopen Hormuz. The Pentagon says the war has cost US taxpayers $47bn.

• Vance's letter suggests resuming comprehensive talks, including on the nuclear program.
• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey took a peace push to Tehran on Wednesday, and Gulf states are working on a multipart deal to reopen Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted.
• Iran said on Tuesday the US was not serious about talks; a ship was also reported on fire off Iraq.
• Reports say hardliners in Iran are turning against President Pezeshkian over the US talks.