U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning towards Oman as Iran reveals ongoing collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation on a strategy to oversee the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The full reopening of this crucial waterway has been a significant request from the United States.
Simultaneously, the 60-day negotiation window aimed at reaching a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran has lapsed without any mention of an extension, with both parties seemingly as distant in their positions as they were at the beginning.
Here are the most recent updates from Monday concerning the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict.
**Iran Progressing Towards a Pact with Oman**
Iran has declared that a consensus has been reached with Oman regarding a plan for ships to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two nations, and they are currently in the process of finalizing the specifics for a joint declaration.
According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in Tehran, the capital of Iran, there is an agreement in place concerning the transit route map. While specifics were not disclosed, previous information indicates that the agreement would allow the strait to reopen, with ships entering near Iran and exiting near Oman, during an interim period without incurring fees or tolls.
The U.S. has been pushing for a satisfactory agreement to open the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. Iran had effectively closed the strait, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed before the conflict, following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on February 28.
**Past Trump Warning Directed at Oman**
In an interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump stated that the U.S. would take military action against Oman if it obstructs the situation, emphasizing his point with strong language. Fox News did not release the audio of the interview.
This is not the first instance where Trump has issued threats towards Oman. Back in May, during a cabinet meeting, he stated that “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to take action against them.”
Trump mentioned that the expiration of the 60-day deadline for talks to end the conflict was insignificant, emphasizing the absence of a specific timeline. He also mentioned having a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both Iran and the U.S. to resume peace talks, highlighting that a military solution is not the answer to the conflict. The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, also emphasized the importance of toning down recent inflammatory rhetoric.
**Houthi Rebels Claim Assaults**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for an attack on a ship and four military vessels in the Red Sea near the Yemeni city of Mokha, close to the critical Bab el-Mandab Strait. The rebels launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, resulting in the sinking and burning of the boats, according to Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis.
The rebels alleged that the targeted vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, although there was no immediate verification from Saudi Arabia, and The Associated Press could not independently confirm the Houthi’s claim. Additionally, the rebels reported a drone strike on government forces in Marib province.
**Drone Strikes Target Iraqi Officials**
Northern Iraq experienced drone attacks targeting two officials, as reported by the regional counterterrorism service, which stated that the attacks originated from the border with Iran.
One drone targeted the office of Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, while the other struck the residence of a high-ranking regional intelligence official. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and no group claimed responsibility for the attacks immediately.
Since the beginning of the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict, Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militant groups have conducted regular attacks on U.S. military and diplomatic sites in Iraq, as well as on bases of exiled Iranian Kurdish dissident groups. However, the direct assault on regional government facilities on Monday was an unusual development.
Barzani condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the region’s security and stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attempted to distance Iran from the incident, cautioning Kurdish allies to be wary of potential ploys to incite discord between neighboring nations.
The U.S. forces currently stationed in Iraq’s Kurdish region have initiated their withdrawal ahead of the agreed deadline of September 30 to conclude the U.S. military presence in Iraq.