While pursuing diplomacy, the US also ratcheted up sanctions to pressure Iran. WASHINGTON: A state of relative calm prevailed around the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (May 9), after days of sporadic flare-ups , as the United States waited for Iran's response to its latest proposals to end more than two months of fighting and begin peace talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Washington expected a response within hours. But a day later, there was no sign of movement from