U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Oman as Iran reveals collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation on a strategy to oversee ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this critical waterway has been a top priority for the United States.
Simultaneously, the 60-day negotiation window aimed at brokering a peace agreement between the United States and Iran was drawing to a close, with no mention of an extension and both sides appearing as far apart as when discussions began.
The latest updates on Monday highlight developments in the ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
**Iran Progresses in Deal with Oman**
Iran announced a consensus with Oman regarding a blueprint for ships to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, located between the two nations. Efforts are underway to finalize the specifics for a joint statement on the matter. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed in Tehran that an agreement had been reached concerning the transit route map. Although specific details were not disclosed, previous information suggests that the arrangement would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit near Oman, with no fees or tolls during an interim period. The U.S. has been pushing for an acceptable resolution on the strait’s opening before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Following the attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran had effectively closed the strait, a vital passageway for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil trade.
**Past Trump Warning Targeting Oman**
In a recent interview with Fox News, President Trump stated that the U.S. would consider military action against Oman if it obstructed operations, emphasizing his point with strong language. This isn’t the first time Trump has issued threats towards Oman, having previously mentioned during a cabinet meeting in May that Oman must comply or face consequences.
Trump dismissed the significance of the 60-day deadline for peace talks and mentioned ongoing backchannel communications with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has urged both Iran and the U.S. to resume peace negotiations, emphasizing the need to reduce hostile rhetoric.
**Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, asserted responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near Mokha, Yemen. The rebels launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, resulting in their sinking and burning. The rebels alleged that the targeted vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, though no evidence was provided.
They also reported a drone strike on government forces in Marib province.
**Drone Strikes on Iraqi Officials**
In northern Iraq, two officials were targeted in drone attacks believed to have originated from the Iran border. One drone struck the office of Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, while another targeted the residence of a senior regional intelligence official. No casualties were reported, and the perpetrators have not been identified.
Since the start of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, there have been frequent attacks on U.S. military and diplomatic sites in Iraq by Iran and its Iraqi allies. However, Monday’s direct attacks on regional government buildings represented a departure from the usual targets.
Barzani labeled the incident as a severe escalation and a direct threat to the region’s security. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack, cautioning against efforts to incite discord among neighbors.
As part of an agreement between the U.S. and Iraq to conclude the American military presence in Iraq by Sept. 30, U.S. forces are already withdrawing from the Kurdish region.