U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Oman as Iran reports ongoing collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation on a strategy to oversee shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this crucial water passage has been a significant request from the U.S.
Simultaneously, the 60-day negotiation period to reach a peace agreement between the United States and Iran was nearing its conclusion, with no mention of an extension and both parties seemingly maintaining their initial positions.
The most recent developments on Monday in the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict are as follows:
**Iran Progressing Towards an Agreement with Oman**
Iran has declared that it has struck a deal with Oman concerning the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two nations. Efforts are underway to finalize the specifics for a joint statement. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in Tehran, the capital of Iran, there is mutual understanding regarding the transit route map. While detailed information is not yet available, indications suggest that the agreement would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit close to Oman without incurring fees during an interim period. The U.S. has been pushing for an acceptable arrangement to reopen the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. Iran had effectively closed the strait following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on February 28, disrupting the flow of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.
**Previous Trump Warning Directed at Oman**
In a statement to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Trump expressed readiness to bomb Oman if it interferes, using strong language to emphasize his point. This is not the first instance of Trump threatening Oman, as he previously mentioned during a cabinet meeting in May that Oman must comply or face consequences. Trump also disregarded the expiration of the 60-day negotiation deadline and asserted that there is no fixed timeline for resolution. He mentioned maintaining a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both Iran and the U.S. to resume peace talks, emphasizing the futility of a military solution and calling for a reduction in hostile rhetoric.
**Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, asserted responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near the Yemeni town of Mokha, close to the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait. The rebels reportedly launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, resulting in their sinking and catching fire. The Houthis claimed the targeted vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, although no concrete evidence was provided. Additionally, the rebels launched a drone strike on government forces in Marib province.
**Drone Strikes Target Iraqi Officials**
Drone attacks targeted two officials in northern Iraq, believed to have originated from the Iran border, according to the regional counterterrorism service. 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. Although there were no casualties reported, no entity immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks. Notably, attacks on regional government facilities mark a departure from the regular assaults on U.S. and diplomatic sites in Iraq by Iran and its Iraqi proxies since the onset of the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi distanced Iran from the attacks, cautioning against attempts to sow discord between neighboring regions and emphasizing the need for vigilance.
As part of an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to conclude the U.S. military presence in Iraq by September 30, American forces stationed in the Kurdish region have commenced their withdrawal.