Middle-East
4 killed, 30 injured as bus overturns in Iran
At least four people were killed and 30 others were wounded as a bus overturned on an intercity road in Iran's eastern South Khorasan province on Tuesday, state-run IRIB news agency reported.
The incident occurred in Darmian County at 6:40 a.m. local time (0310 GMT), IRIB quoted the province's deputy traffic police chief as saying.
The bus was carrying 40 passengers, said the official, adding that those wounded in the incident were transferred to hospital. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
2 months ago
Netanyahu rejects US-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday officially rejected a 15-point Gaza peace roadmap presented by the U.S.-led "Board of Peace," insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Marking Israel’s first straightforward rejection of the plan, Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting that forces- estimated to control 70 percent of Gaza —will continue operations to "thwart threats". He defined disarmament as the removal of all weapons, both heavy and light.
While noting ongoing talks with the U.S., Netanyahu stated that while some ideas are acceptable, Israel will "stand our ground" on disputed matters. The plan, drafted by Nickolay Mladenov in May and announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in July, claimed agreement on the "complete disarmament" of armed groups.
Hamas previously agreed to the roadmap’s second phase but demanded a complete halt to "aggression," full Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction progress. Since an October 2025 ceasefire, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed over 1,250 people and injured 4,100 in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
2 months ago
Houthis claim drone attack on Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed responsibility for a drone attack on an Aramco oil facility in southwestern Saudi Arabia, as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group targeted an Aramco refinery in the city of Jazan with a drone. He said the attack was carried out in response to Saudi drones allegedly entering Yemeni airspace over the provinces of Hajjah and Saada.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry earlier Sunday reported a fire at a facility linked to the Aramco refinery. The fire was brought under control and no casualties were reported, the ministry said, without giving a cause for the blaze.
The claimed attack is the latest in a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and shipping routes in the Red Sea. The renewed escalation has raised concerns over a possible resurgence of Yemen’s civil war, more than four years after a 2022 truce halted major fighting.
Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States changes what Tehran described as its hostile conduct, adding new conditions that could complicate negotiations over reopening the strategically important waterway.
Iran’s state broadcaster quoted Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of the country’s Supreme National Security Council and a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, as saying the United States must permanently end its war against Iran and its armed allies in the region.
Tehran also demanded that Washington refrain from making future threats against Iran, lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw US forces from the region.
Iran further called for full compensation for damage caused by the war, the lifting of sanctions and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets.
The United States, which has sought an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz before ending the blockade, did not immediately comment on Iran’s demands.
Under an interim agreement signed in June, negotiations on a final deal were expected to include a timetable for lifting sanctions, compensation and arrangements concerning frozen Iranian assets.
2 months ago
Iran sets new conditions for Strait of Hormuz reopening, UAE says ship targeted
Iran has set new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while the United Arab Emirates said a vessel owned by its state-run oil company was targeted by an Iranian missile as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Yemen's military carried out attacks against the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, while Turkey's parliament took a step forward on legislation aimed at supporting a peace process with Kurdish militants.
Here are the latest developments across the Middle East:
Iran sets conditions for reopening Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened until the United States "corrects its behavior," setting out demands that could complicate ongoing talks over the strategic waterway.
The council's secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the US must never again threaten Iran and must permanently end its war with Iran and its regional allies.
Iran also demanded that Washington lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw its military forces from the region, provide "complete compensation" for war-related damage, remove sanctions and release frozen Iranian assets "unconditionally."
The US did not immediately comment on the demands.
Under an interim agreement reached in June, discussions on lifting sanctions, compensation and frozen assets were to be part of a final deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier Saturday that Tehran was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on navigation through the strait. However, he said reopening the waterway would depend on meeting other conditions and accused the US of violating the interim agreement.
Oman, which has been mediating the talks, said discussions were continuing in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and condemned attacks on vessels in the strait.
Details emerge on possible Iran-Oman deal
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and natural gas supplies, was considered an international waterway before the war.
A temporary agreement being negotiated by Iran and Oman would allow the strait to reopen, with vessels entering through a route close to Iran and leaving through a route near Oman, according to two people familiar with the talks.
Under the proposed arrangement, ships would not have to pay fees or tolls while crossing the waterway during the interim period.
The agreement is intended to restore an earlier separate understanding between the US and Iran and restart a 60-day period for negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.
During that period, Iran is expected to be allowed to sell oil. The current 60-day deadline for reaching a final agreement is due to expire in just over a week.
The two people said the proposed deal has the backing of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and could eventually be announced jointly by Iran, Oman, the US and the International Maritime Organization. However, they cautioned that the terms could still change before the agreement is finalized.
UAE says Iranian missile targeted vessel
A vessel owned by Abu Dhabi's state-run oil and gas company ADNOC was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati authorities said.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said Iran fired a missile at the vessel as part of attacks on commercial shipping.
ADNOC said no one was injured in the attack early Saturday. The company said more than a dozen of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones while crossing the strait since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in February.
According to ADNOC, one crew member has been killed and 20 others injured in the attacks.
The company did not provide details about the location of Saturday's incident or report the extent of any damage.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre later said a vessel east of Khasab, Oman, was hit by a projectile, causing a fire that was later extinguished. The vessel and its crew were reported safe. It was not immediately clear whether the incident involved the ADNOC vessel.
Turkey says defense deal not aimed at any country
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said a new defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey is not directed against any particular country.
The agreement, signed Friday, states that an attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all.
Speaking to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency on Saturday, Fidan said the three countries do not consider any state an adversary unless it takes hostile action against them.
He said the agreement does not identify any common threat.
Under the mutual defense arrangement, a member country would formally request assistance, which could include intelligence-sharing, logistical support or the deployment of military units, Fidan said.
He added that a secretariat for the mechanism would be established in Saudi Arabia.
Fidan said several other countries have shown interest in joining the agreement. He also said he expects Egypt, which he described as a "natural partner," to join at a later stage.
Yemen's military attacks Iran-backed Houthis
Yemen's military carried out attacks against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in response to recent Houthi strikes in central and eastern parts of the country.
Col. Majed al-Nazili, a spokesperson for Yemen's military, said the attacks targeted Houthi "sites and capabilities" along several front lines but did not provide further details.
The renewed escalation between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, has raised concerns that the country's civil war could resume following a truce reached in 2022.
Turkey's Kurdish peace bill clears parliamentary committee
A Turkish draft law aimed at advancing a peace process with the country's Kurdish insurgents passed an initial hurdle in parliament on Saturday after being approved by a committee.
The bill is expected to be considered by the full parliament next week.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, announced last year that it would disarm and disband as part of a peace initiative aimed at ending its decades-long conflict with the Turkish state.
The proposed legislation sets out procedures for the group's disarmament and the rehabilitation of some PKK members.
The measures would take effect after Turkey's National Security Council confirms that the group has disbanded and surrendered its weapons.
The conflict, which began in the 1980s, has killed tens of thousands of people. Turkey and its Western allies designate the PKK as a terrorist organization.
2 months ago
Israeli forces arrest 60 Palestinians during second day of Qalandiya refugee camp raid
Israeli forces arrested 60 Palestinians, including women and children, during the second day of an ongoing military operation in the Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Prisoner's Society.
In a statement, the organisation said those detained were subjected to interrogation as Israeli troops continued raids across the camp.
Hamas agrees to disarm under Gaza ceasefire roadmap
The group alleged that the operation involved severe beatings, intimidation and the use of restraints as a form of torture. It also claimed that Israeli forces forced residents from their homes and damaged property and personal belongings during the raids.
Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said at least 16 Palestinians were injured after being assaulted by Israeli forces during the operation over the past two days.
With inputs from Al Jazeera
2 months ago
Iran, US say Strait of Hormuz deal close as both sides face difficult compromises
Iran and the United States said Wednesday that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be close, raising hopes of easing pressure on the global economy and helping end the war.
Iran said it was in the “final stage” of drafting an agreement with Oman over the strategic waterway, while US President Donald Trump said a deal could be announced within days.
However, any agreement is likely to depend on the United States lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. The Trump administration has previously rejected any arrangement that would strengthen Iran’s control over the strait, which would represent a major setback for Washington and depart from international norms.
Iran, meanwhile, has insisted on retaining some control over the waterway, saying it will not return to being an open international waterway as it was before the war.
The United States and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, citing several objectives, including removing Iran’s government and ending its nuclear program. Neither goal has been achieved, and the conflict has increasingly centered on the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s attempts to assert control and attacks on shipping have brought maritime traffic to a near standstill.
The closure of the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas previously passed, has pushed up fuel and basic goods prices and disrupted the global economy. Trump is also facing growing pressure to end the unpopular war ahead of US congressional elections.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the agreement with Oman was in its “final stage” and that a joint statement would be issued “if certain parties do not obstruct this process,” apparently referring to the United States.
Regional officials say draft deal finalized
Iranian and Omani negotiators have finalized a draft agreement to reopen the strait and are awaiting final approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, two regional officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Khamenei is believed to have been wounded in the opening strikes of the war and has not appeared in public since then.
The officials, who were briefed on the negotiations, described the possible agreement as a temporary solution to the dispute over the strait. They said it is linked to an agreement reached between the United States and Iran in June that sought to end the fighting and reopen the waterway but eventually collapsed.
They said the potential deal could pave the way for Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Earlier, the officials said the proposed arrangement would allow ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and leave through an Omani-controlled route. Service fees would be charged for security and protection of the maritime environment.
The United States has said it strongly opposes any arrangement that would allow Iran to charge such fees.
Trump says deal could come soon
Trump was asked Tuesday evening about an Axios report that a deal on the strait could be announced Wednesday.
“It could happen. Tomorrow or the next day,” Trump told reporters. “A lot of progress has been made.”
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Wednesday that the US effort to resolve the conflict may appear slow, describing the process as “messy” and saying it would take time.
In an interview aired Wednesday evening on Fox News Channel, Vance said the Iranians were “extraordinarily difficult people” and that diplomatic efforts sometimes require moving backward before making progress.
Oil prices initially declined Wednesday before edging higher. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading around $80 a barrel, still well below the levels reached at the height of the conflict.
Trump has in recent days alternated between threatening major military strikes and expressing support for diplomatic efforts.
Attacks on regional shipping continue
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed Wednesday that they had fired ballistic missiles toward a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea off the Saudi port of Yanbu, without providing evidence. Saudi Arabia did not immediately comment.
A vessel sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen reported a loud explosion nearby, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. The crew was safe, it said.
The Houthis also claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at another Saudi oil tanker.
The latest escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has raised concerns that Yemen’s civil war could intensify again. The conflict has pitted the Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s government.
In July, the Houthis announced that they were closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping. The move has added pressure on international shipping, as the Red Sea became an important alternative route for Saudi oil exports during the war.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire grows increasingly fragile
The already fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group became more volatile Wednesday after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning to residents of the southern Lebanese village of Mansouri, the first such warning in weeks.
Later, the Israeli military said it had launched “precise strikes” in southern Lebanon in response to what it called a “blatant violation of the ceasefire.” The truce had largely held since June 20.
The escalation came as Lebanese and Israeli negotiators met in Rome for a second day to discuss implementation of an agreement under which Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
A State Department official said the Rome talks ended early “due to events on the ground” but could resume Thursday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the diplomacy, described the discussions as “extremely productive.”
2 months ago
Trump calls new Iran talks ‘last chance’ to avoid escalation
President Donald Trump said Monday that new talks between Washington and Tehran are Iran’s “last chance” to reach a deal and avoid an escalation of US strikes.
Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said the talks are expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a path for Iran to address US concerns over its nuclear programme. He said the status of the negotiations could become clearer “today or tomorrow.”
“The first phase is the opening of the straits. The second phase will be the denuclearization,” Trump said, adding that the second phase would take some time.
Trump said he decided to delay plans for major new strikes on Iran after being urged to do so by Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He said US forces had been prepared to carry out “the biggest attack since World War II” on Sunday, but he abandoned the plan to give diplomacy more time after speaking with key Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and receiving requests from unnamed Iranian officials.
However, Trump again warned that his patience with Iran is running out.
“This is the last chance for them to sign a good document,” he said.
Earlier Monday, Trump criticised Iran on social media, calling it “unbelievably duplicitous” after Tehran said its talks with Oman were focused only on establishing a temporary safe navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade.
Trump said that, whether Iran acknowledges it or not, discussions are taking place on preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Since the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28, Trump has repeatedly threatened to intensify attacks before stepping back from those threats.
Asked why he has repeatedly issued strong warnings against Tehran and then backed away, Trump said he was showing patience because he wanted to avoid further loss of Iranian lives.
“I want to give them every last chance before decapitation,” Trump said. “Hopefully, they’ll come to their senses.”
Critics question Trump’s repeated shifts
Trump could still decide that a major escalation is necessary, but critics say his repeated hesitation may reflect an understanding within his administration that military force alone may not be enough to force Iran to back down and end the months-long war.
“I think what we’re seeing here is a president who has an approach that’s just rather erratic,” Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Kelly said Trump appeared to be trying to return to the situation before the conflict began.
Trump has made similar threats and then backed away several times during the conflict.
In early April, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before a deadline Trump had set for Tehran to capitulate or face attacks on bridges and power plants.
On May 18, after days of threats, Trump announced that he was postponing a major planned strike because “serious negotiations” were underway, while crediting Gulf allies for encouraging restraint.
In June, Trump threatened to hit Iran “VERY HARD” and seize its energy base on Kharg Island, but later called off the planned strikes after saying peace talks with senior Iranian officials had made progress.
Saudi crown prince influenced Trump’s decision
Trump indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played an important role in his decision to hold back from further escalation.
The US president spoke by phone with the Saudi leader on Saturday, shortly before announcing that he was halting the planned strikes.
According to a person briefed on the call, the crown prince warned that further escalation could have a serious impact on the global economy if Iran responded by attacking US allies in the Gulf.
The person, who was not authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity, said Saudi officials had told the Trump administration that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE were capable of defending themselves against potential Iranian attacks.
However, Kuwait could be more vulnerable to attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the person said.
Republicans concerned over public opinion
Trump has denied that November’s midterm elections are influencing his approach to the Iran conflict, which has already caused concern across the global economy.
However, the issue is drawing attention among Republicans.
About two-thirds of US adults say the war with Iran has not been worthwhile, according to an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published last week. The view is shared by most Democrats and independents, as well as about 37% of Republicans.
Sen. John Kennedy, one of Trump’s strongest allies in Congress, said Sunday that the administration should moderate its approach to Iran.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” the Louisiana Republican pointed to the destruction caused by the US military in Iran and warned that further escalation could push energy prices even higher and fuel inflation.
Kennedy said maintaining sanctions and targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than widening the conflict, could be the better approach for now.
“They’re all hellish choices,” Kennedy said. “But for the moment I’d maintain the status quo.”
2 months ago
Trump says Iran talks to begin Monday as diplomatic uncertainty persists
US President Donald Trump said fresh talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran would begin on Monday after he called off a new round of military strikes, although Iranian officials insisted their current diplomatic efforts are focused on neighbouring Oman rather than direct negotiations with Washington.
Talks between the United States and Iran are seen as key to ending the months-long conflict and restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that handled about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas before the war.
However, Iran's Foreign Ministry said its current negotiations are with Oman and are limited to ensuring temporary safe navigation through the strategic strait.
Trump, who has repeatedly alternated between threatening military action and offering diplomatic solutions, said Monday that "whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking."
Meanwhile, Israel carried out fresh strikes across the Gaza Strip over the weekend, days after the US and Hamas announced they had reached an agreement for the militant group to disarm, a move seen as a possible step toward ending the war in Gaza.
Hospitals in Gaza said at least 17 people, including children, were killed in the latest Israeli strikes. One attack on a residential building in southern Gaza killed three members of the same family, including a four-year-old child, according to Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted militants.
Trump announces renewed diplomatic push
Trump said on Sunday that he had decided against launching major strikes on Iran after appeals from Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Trump, the US military had prepared what he described as "the biggest attack since World War II," but he chose to give diplomacy another opportunity after discussions with Gulf leaders and requests from unnamed Iranian officials. He did not disclose further details about the proposed talks or who would participate.
Iran, however, denied holding negotiations with the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said ongoing discussions are only with Oman, across the Strait of Hormuz, and are focused on establishing a temporary maritime route for safe navigation.
Trade data platform Kpler reported that nine vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with most using an Iranian-controlled route.
Responding on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised Iran's leadership, saying it was "unbelievably duplicitous" for publicly denying talks while allegedly requesting meetings.
Iranian officials visit Iraq and Pakistan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived Monday in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf to attend Arbaeen commemorations, one of the largest annual gatherings of Shiite Muslims.
His visit comes as Iraq continues balancing relations between Iran and the United States, a task made more difficult following the US-Israel conflict with Iran earlier this year.
At the same time, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak travelled to Pakistan for talks expected to focus on easing transit bottlenecks and increasing the movement of Iranian cargo through Pakistani ports during the ongoing US naval blockade.
During the two-day visit, Atabak is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee and meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Syria, Iraq discuss regional security
Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Iraqi Kurdish regional President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday to discuss strengthening cooperation and improving regional security.
The meeting took place amid rising tensions following a series of drone attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups targeting US interests in Iraq, including the Kurdish region.
Last month, Syrian authorities said they had intercepted an attempt to smuggle weapons across the Iraqi border that were allegedly destined for the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Hezbollah rejected the allegation.
Iran executes two convicted of spying for Israel
Iran's judiciary announced Monday that it had executed two men convicted of spying for Israel during both last year's 12-day conflict and the current war.
State-run Mizan news agency identified them as Omid Behzad and Pouria Safvat, saying they had supplied military coordinates, photographs and intelligence used in attacks on Iranian targets. The agency did not disclose where the executions took place.
Last week, Iran also publicly executed two men convicted of killing four police officers during anti-government protests in January.
Gaza heat worsens humanitarian crisis
Extreme summer temperatures are making life even more difficult for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents across Gaza.
The plastic-sheet shelters trap heat during the day and offer little ventilation, forcing many families to remain outdoors for long periods.
Aid organisations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that limited access to clean water, electricity and sanitation, combined with overcrowded camps, has increased the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, skin infections and diarrhoeal diseases.
"It's very hot. We can't stay inside the tents. Our tent is made of nylon," said Aida Abu Hadeesha, who was displaced from Rafah in southern Gaza.
"There is no breeze, nothing, and our kids are suffering," she said, adding that the intense heat continues throughout the night while flies and cockroaches infest the camps.
2 months ago
Iran says it perceives every 'enemy' threat as 'noteworthy'
Iran's Acting Defense Minister Seyed Majid Ebn Al-Reza said Sunday that Tehran perceives every "enemy" threat as "real and noteworthy," rejecting any characterization of them as mere psychological warfare.
"We will neither be surprised nor remain passive. We use threats as a basis to increase our preparedness, strengthen our deterrence, and develop our power," Al-Reza wrote on social media platform X after U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that he had agreed to hold off fresh attacks against Iran.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was "locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II," but held off after being "asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries," citing a forthcoming deal that would include the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat."
Earlier U.S. media reports had suggested U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure could begin over the weekend.
Israel's Channel 12 news reported Sunday that Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has agreed to a Qatari-U.S.-brokered compromise deal allowing ships to enter the Gulf through the Iranian-controlled side and exit via Omani waters.
However, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, citing a source close to the Iranian negotiating team, quickly rejected the claim.
Fars also quoted a military source as saying that as long as the U.S. "hostile and malicious acts" continue, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, with vessels permitted to transit only via Iran-designated routes and with the coordination and permission of the Navy of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.
The source warned that other routes are unsafe, adding that Iran's policies on the strategic waterway remain unchanged.
Iran tightened its grip on the strait on Feb. 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
During the past days, the U.S. military launched multiple waves of strikes against Iranian targets, saying they were in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the strait and aimed at "degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping."
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region.
2 months ago
Trump to pause Iran strikes after framework for ending war is reached
US President Donald Trump said Saturday he would order American forces to suspend further strikes on Iran, claiming that key Middle East allies had agreed on the basic framework of a deal aimed at ending the five-month-long war.
In a social media post, Trump said the proposed agreement would ensure the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat.
He said he had decided to cancel a planned attack “for the future benefit of the world” and for “a successful and prosperous Iran,” while making clear the decision depends on the parties being able to quickly reach a final agreement. Trump also said Israel had agreed to work with the United States to complete the deal. Iran did not immediately respond publicly.
The announcement came a day after Trump suggested the US was close to launching renewed large-scale strikes to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, saying the campaign was intended to weaken Tehran’s missile capabilities, stop it from developing nuclear weapons and end its support for allied armed groups. However, the goals and timeline of the conflict have shifted repeatedly, and an earlier ceasefire agreement reached in mid-June collapsed within weeks.
Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concern during a phone call with Trump that any escalation could trigger Iranian attacks on Saudi and other Gulf states’ energy infrastructure, according to a person familiar with the discussion.
Separately, the US State Department issued fresh security alerts for Americans across several Middle Eastern countries, warning of possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. Iran has also repeatedly targeted vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization during the conflict.
2 months ago