President Donald Trump of the United States has once again issued a threat against Oman amid reports that Iran and Oman are collaborating on a joint plan to oversee shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The full reopening of the strait has been a significant demand from the U.S.
At the same time, the 60-day negotiation period between the U.S. and Iran to reach a peace agreement was coming to an end with no mention of an extension, and both sides appear to be as distant in their positions as when the talks began.
Here are the latest developments on Monday concerning the U.S. and the Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran’s Progress with Oman
Iran has reported that it has reached a consensus with Oman regarding a plan for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, situated between the two nations, and they are currently finalizing the specifics for a joint statement.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, informed journalists in Tehran, the capital of Iran, that “an agreement has been reached regarding the transit route map.”
While not providing further details, previous information indicates that the agreement would allow ships to enter the strait near Iran and exit close to Oman, with vessels transiting without payment of fees or tolls during an interim period.
The U.S. has been pushing for a satisfactory agreement on reopening the strait 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, which used to facilitate the passage of about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies.
Previous Warning from Trump to Oman
In an interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump stated that the U.S. would consider military action against Oman if it interfered, using strong language to emphasize his point.
Although Fox News did not release audio of the interview, Trump’s threat against Oman is not new. In a previous incident in May, he warned during a cabinet meeting that “Oman will act like everyone else or face consequences.”
Regarding the expiration of the 60-day deadline for peace talks, Trump indicated that it was not a concern and mentioned the existence of a back channel for discussions with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Iran and the U.S. to resume peace talks, highlighting that a military solution to the conflict is not viable, as conveyed by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Dujarric added that the UN chief emphasized the importance of toning down the recent aggressive rhetoric between the two nations.
Houthi Rebels’ Claims of Attacks
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen asserted that they carried out an assault on a ship and four military boats on Monday in the Red Sea near the Yemeni city of Mokha, close to the strategic Bab el-Mandab Strait.
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