President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Oman as Iran discloses ongoing collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation to coordinate shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this critical water passage has been a primary demand from the United States.
Meanwhile, the 60-day negotiation window aimed at reaching a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran is reaching its conclusion with no mention of an extension, leaving both parties seemingly as distant in their positions as when discussions began.
Here are the most recent updates on Monday concerning developments in the U.S. and the Israel-Iran conflict.
Progress in Iran-Oman Agreement
Iran has announced a tentative agreement with Oman regarding a plan for vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two nations. Efforts are currently underway to finalize the specifics for a joint statement.
Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, informed journalists in Tehran, the capital of Iran, that “an agreement has been reached concerning the transit route map.”
Although specifics were not provided, previous details suggest that the agreement will allow ships to navigate the strait, entering near Iran and exiting close to Oman. During an initial phase, vessels are expected to transit without incurring fees or tolls.
The U.S. has been pushing for a satisfactory agreement on the strait’s reopening prior to lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Following the attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the strait, which previously facilitated the passage of approximately 20% of the world’s traded oil supplies.
Prior Trump Warning Directed at Oman
During an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Trump stated that the U.S. would consider targeting Oman if it interferes, emphasizing the statement with a strong language choice.
While Fox News did not release the audio from the interview, this is not the first instance of Trump issuing threats to Oman. In a previous incident in May, he mentioned during a cabinet meeting that “Oman will need to comply like everyone else, or face consequences.”
Regarding the expiration of the 60-day negotiation period for ending the conflict, Trump dismissed its relevance, stating there is no specific timeline for resolution. Yingst also mentioned Trump’s acknowledgment of a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Iran and the U.S. to resume peace talks, emphasizing that a military solution to the conflict is not viable, as per UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Dujarric highlighted the UN chief’s call for the countries to reduce the escalating rhetoric witnessed in recent days.
Houthi Rebels Claiming Attacks
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near the Yemeni city of Mokha, close to the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait.