U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed threat towards Oman as Iran disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Gulf state on a strategy to oversee shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reinstatement of the water passage has been a significant requirement from the U.S.
As the 60-day negotiation period for a peace agreement between the United States and Iran approached its deadline with no mention of an extension, both parties appeared to remain at a considerable distance from reaching a resolution.
In the latest updates on Monday concerning the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict, Iran announced progress in discussions with Oman regarding a plan for vessels to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, situated between the two nations. Efforts are being made to finalize the particulars for a joint statement.
According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, an understanding has been achieved concerning the transit route map. While specific details were not provided, previous information suggested that the agreement would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit close to Oman without incurring fees or tolls during an interim period.
The U.S. has been pushing for a viable agreement on opening the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. Iran had effectively shut down the strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed, following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on February 28.
Trump, in a previous instance, had threatened Oman during an interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, stating that the U.S. would take military action against Oman if it interfered, using strong language to emphasize the point. This was not the first time Trump had issued such a warning, as he had previously mentioned during a cabinet meeting in May that Oman needed to comply, or face consequences.
Furthermore, Trump brushed off the expiration of the 60-day deadline for talks to conclude the conflict, asserting that there was no specified timeline for resolution. He also mentioned having a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for both Iran and the U.S. to resume peace negotiations, emphasizing that a military solution to the conflict is not viable. The UN chief also highlighted the importance of toning down the heated rhetoric that has been prevalent in recent communications.
Elsewhere, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near Mokha, Yemen, close to the Bab el-Mandab Strait. The rebels allegedly launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, causing some to capsize and catch fire, although no evidence was provided to support their claim that the vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia.
In separate incidents, drone attacks targeted officials in northern Iraq, with the regional counterterrorism service attributing the assaults to being launched from the Iranian border. One drone targeted the office of Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, while another struck the residence of a senior regional intelligence official. No casualties were reported, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.
Since the commencement of the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict, there have been recurrent attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups on U.S. and diplomatic installations in Iraq. However, the direct drone attacks on regional government facilities on Monday marked a departure from the usual targets. Barzani condemned the attacks as a severe escalation threatening the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.
In response to the incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi distanced Iran from the attacks, cautioning against attempts to create discord between neighboring nations. U.S. troops currently deployed in the Kurdish region of Iraq have begun withdrawing in compliance with the agreed-upon deadline of September 30 to conclude the U.S. military presence in Iraq.