U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Oman as Iran reports collaborating with the Gulf Arab nation on a strategy to oversee maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this crucial water passage has been a primary request from the U.S.
Simultaneously, the 60-day negotiation period to reach a peace agreement between the United States and Iran is nearing its end, with no mention of an extension and both parties seemingly no closer to an agreement than when they began.
The most recent updates on Monday regarding the Iran conflict are as follows:
**Iran Progresses in Negotiations with Oman**
Iran announced that it has made progress with Oman on a plan for ships to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, which borders both countries. Efforts are now focused on finalizing the specifics for a joint statement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated in Tehran, the capital of Iran, that there is an agreement concerning the transit route map. While not providing further details, previous information suggests the deal will allow ships to pass through the strait, entering near Iran and exiting near Oman without incurring fees during an interim period.
The U.S. has been seeking a satisfactory agreement to reopen the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Following an attack by Israel and the U.S. on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran closed the strait, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed.
Baghaei admitted that discussions with Oman have progressed slowly but emphasized the intention to finalize the agreement in the form of a comprehensive package, including the map and a joint statement.
**Past Trump Warning Directed at Oman**
In an interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interfered, emphasizing his point with strong language.
This is not the first instance of Trump warning Oman. In a previous statement during a Cabinet meeting in May, he mentioned that Oman needed to comply like everyone else, or they would face consequences.
Trump dismissed the significance of the 60-day deadline for peace talks and mentioned an existing back channel for communication with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
**Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near the Yemeni city of Mokha, close to the Bab el-Mandab Strait.
The rebels reportedly launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, leading to their sinking and catching fire. They claimed the targeted vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, although no evidence was provided. Saudi Arabia has not yet responded, and the claim is yet to be independently verified.
Additionally, the rebels conducted a drone attack on government forces in the central province of Marib.
**Drone Strikes Target Iraqi Officials**
In northern Iraq, two officials were targeted in drone attacks believed to have originated from the Iran border, as per the regional counterterrorism service.
One drone hit the office of Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, while another targeted the residence of a senior regional intelligence official. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Since the onset of the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict, Iran and its supported Iraqi militant groups have frequently targeted U.S. military and diplomatic sites in Iraq. However, Monday’s direct drone attacks on regional government buildings marked an unusual escalation.
Barzani condemned the attack as a severe escalation and a direct threat to the Kurdistan Region’s security and stability.
U.S. forces currently stationed in the Kurdish region of Iraq have begun withdrawing in preparation for the agreed-upon deadline of Sept. 30 to end the U.S. military presence in Iraq.