U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Oman as Iran announces collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation on a strategy to oversee shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this critical water passageway has been a central demand of the United States.
Simultaneously, the 60-day negotiation window for brokering a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran has lapsed, with no mention of an extension, and both parties appearing as far apart as when discussions commenced.
The latest updates on the Iran conflict on Monday include:
**Iran Progressing Towards Agreement with Oman**
Iran has disclosed that it has struck a deal with Oman concerning a plan for ships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, which connects both countries. Efforts are underway to finalize the specifics for a joint statement.
Speaking in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei informed the press that there is “consensus on the transit route map.” While not providing further details, previous information suggests that the agreement would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit close to Oman without incurring fees during an interim phase.
The U.S. has been aiming for a satisfactory deal on opening the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. Following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran in February, Iran effectively shut down the strait, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade passed.
Baghaei acknowledged that discussions with Oman have been slow but expressed intentions to finalize the agreement in a comprehensive manner, including the map and a joint statement.
**Previous Trump Warning Directed at Oman**
In an interview with Fox News’ Trey Yingst, Trump mentioned that the U.S. would bomb Oman if it obstructed operations, using strong language for emphasis. This is not the first instance of Trump issuing threats against Oman, as he previously indicated in May that Oman must comply like everyone else or face consequences.
Trump dismissed the significance of the 60-day deadline for peace talks, stating that there is no fixed timeline. He also revealed the existence of a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
**Houthi Rebels Claiming Attacks**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for targeting a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near Mokha, Yemen, close to the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait. The rebels launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, resulting in their capsizing and ignition. The Houthis claimed the vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, although no evidence was presented. Saudi Arabia has not responded to these claims, and independent verification is pending.
Moreover, the rebels conducted a drone strike on government forces in Marib province.
**Drone Strikes on Iraqi Officials**
Northern Iraq witnessed drone attacks targeting two officials, reportedly launched from the Iran border. One drone struck the office of Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, while the other targeted the residence of a senior regional intelligence official. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Since the onset of the conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, there have been regular assaults on U.S. military and diplomatic sites in Iraq by Iran and Iranian-supported militant groups. However, Monday’s direct attacks on regional government structures represent a notable escalation.
Barzani condemned the assault as a severe escalation jeopardizing the security of the Kurdistan Region. U.S. forces in the Kurdish region of Iraq have initiated withdrawal in accordance with the agreed-upon deadline of September 30 to conclude the U.S. military presence in Iraq.