In a renewed threat, President Donald Trump has warned Oman amidst reports of Iran collaborating with the Gulf state on a plan to oversee shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The full reopening of this vital water passage has been a central demand from the United States.
As the 60-day negotiation window between the U.S. and Iran for a peace agreement neared its end, there was no indication of an extension, with both parties seemingly maintaining their initial stances.
Iran has disclosed that it has made progress with Oman regarding a transit plan for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway shared by both nations. Efforts are now focused on finalizing the specifics for a joint statement. Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, mentioned that an agreement has been reached on the transit route map, although detailed terms have not been fully disclosed.
The potential deal aims to facilitate ship movements through the strait, with vessels entering near Iran and exiting close to Oman. During an interim period, ships would transit without incurring fees or tolls. The U.S. has been pushing for a satisfactory arrangement to reopen the strait before lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
Following the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the strait, which previously facilitated about one-fifth of global oil trade.
This isn’t the first time Trump has issued threats against Oman. Previously, in a conversation with Fox News, he emphasized that the U.S. would take military action against Oman if it interfered, using strong language to convey the message.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Houthi rebels, backed by Iran in Yemen, claimed responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near Mokha. The rebels purportedly launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, causing capsizing and fires, without furnishing evidence that the targets belonged to Saudi Arabia.
In a separate incident, drone attacks targeted Iraqi officials in the northern region, with reports indicating that the strikes originated from the Iran-Iraq border. The attacks, aimed at the office of Masrour Barzani and a senior intelligence official’s residence, did not result in casualties. The incidents mark a concerning escalation in the region’s security situation.
As the conflict dynamics continue to evolve, diplomatic efforts are crucial in de-escalating tensions and seeking peaceful resolutions to the ongoing crisis.