President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued another warning to Oman as Iran reports collaboration with the Gulf state on a strategy to regulate shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial demand from the U.S. to fully reopen the passage.
At the same time, the 60-day negotiation window to reach a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran was coming to an end, with no mention of an extension and both parties seemingly at a standstill.
Here are the latest updates from Monday on the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict.
Progress in Iran-Oman Agreement
Iran revealed that a preliminary understanding has been reached with Oman regarding the transit pathway through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the two nations, and efforts are underway to finalize a joint statement.
Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Tehran, the capital of Iran, stated that “an agreement has been made regarding the transit route map.”
While specifics were not provided, prior reports hint that the deal would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit near Oman without payment during a transitional phase.
The U.S. has been adamant about securing a satisfactory arrangement for the strait’s reopening before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively shut down the strait, a crucial route for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil shipments.
Previous Warning from Trump Directed at Oman
Trump informed Fox News journalist Trey Yingst that the U.S. would strike Oman if it impedes progress, using a strong language for emphasis.
However, Fox News did not release the audio of the interview.
This is not the first instance of Trump’s warning to Oman. In May, during a cabinet meeting, he remarked, “Oman will act like everyone else, or we will have to take severe action.”
Trump brushed off the 60-day deadline for peace talks expiration, stating there was no rush, as per Yingst. He mentioned the existence of a communication channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for dialogue.
UN Secretary General António Guterres called for the resumption of peace talks between Iran and the U.S., emphasizing the futility of a military resolution and urging a reduction in the recent aggressive rhetoric.
Houthi Rebels Claim Assaults
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, asserted responsibility for an attack on a vessel and four military boats near the Yemeni city of Mokha in the Red Sea, close to the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait.