Regional powers, led by Qatar, are pursuing diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the conflict between the United States and Iran. These efforts come amid reports of another tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's dismissal of new U.S. sanctions.
On Thursday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was in Tehran for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, talks with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi focused on "efforts being made to reduce escalation." A proposal between Iran and Oman to ensure safe passage and clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz was also discussed. Al Thani emphasized the "necessity of respecting the sovereignty of neighboring countries and the freedom of navigation" through the vital waterway. He also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview on Wednesday that there is "no time schedule" for concluding the conflict, which is approaching its six-month mark on Friday.
Strait of Hormuz Incidents and Traffic
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) reported on Thursday that an oil tanker was hit by an unknown projectile on Tuesday in the waters between Oman and Iran, causing a fire. The UKMTO, run by the British military, stated that the crew was safe and no environmental damage was reported. The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport.
Shipping analysts note that while oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased from the previous week by 50% for oil and gas carriers, it remains well below pre-war levels. Before the conflict, approximately 15 million barrels of oil per day passed through the strait. Current estimates from ship-tracking data suggest a daily flow closer to 2 to 6 million barrels per day, although the U.S. government has claimed figures as high as 9 million barrels per day during short periods.
Navy Admiral Bradley Cooper, the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East, stated on Thursday that international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz have been cleared of mines. "Today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building," he said in a social media video. Gulf states have not commented on this statement, and independent verification was not immediately possible.
Even with mines reportedly cleared, vessels transiting the narrow waterway still face threats from drones, missiles, and other potential attacks.
Iran's Response to Sanctions and Coalitions
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, criticized a U.S.-led coalition that includes Bahrain, describing it as a country with "virtually no meaningful economic exchange with Iran." Separately, Iran's top negotiator and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf thanked China for rejecting U.S. "economic D-Day" policies against Iran. Tehran had previously warned of a harsh response to expanded U.S. sanctions, particularly those targeting countries perceived to be cooperating with Washington.
Developments in Syria and Gaza
In Syria, interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, the former leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as an adviser. This appointment followed the SDF's announcement of its dissolution and merger with the Syrian army. The SDF, which once controlled significant territory in the country's northeast, lost most of its land to a government offensive in January. The integration deal included Abdi's demand for Kurdish classes to be taught in schools in areas with significant Kurdish populations.
U.N. Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone informed the U.N. Security Council that the U.S. administration's decision to lift Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism could foster economic recovery and international engagement. However, Cordone also criticized Israel's military activities in southern Syria, including property destruction and house searches, deeming an open-ended Israeli military presence a violation of Syria's sovereignty. Russia, France, China, and other council members also voiced criticism of Israel's actions in Syria.
In Gaza, Israeli strikes resulted in four fatalities and several injuries, according to local health officials. Three individuals died in Gaza City, while a fourth was killed and others injured in a strike on a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hamas militants. Nickolay Mladenov, head of Trump’s Board of Peace, admonished Israel for its continued attacks during a United Nations gathering. Israel's deputy U.N. ambassador, Noa Furman, reiterated Israel's commitment to the U.S. peace plan, emphasizing that Hamas' "disarmament must come first."
Separately, Israel's Foreign Ministry is removing two Dutch diplomats from the Gaza ceasefire coordination center. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cited "a series of anti-Israel measures taken by the Dutch government," including an upcoming ban on the trade of Israeli products from the occupied West Bank. The Dutch foreign minister described the removal of diplomats as "unnecessary" but affirmed the Netherlands' stance on banning products from settlements.
Lebanon and Pakistan-Kuwait Cooperation
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday killed one woman and wounded six people, including a child, inside a home, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. These strikes followed an Israeli military statement blaming Hezbollah for firing two explosive drones that did not cause casualties before one was shot down.
In other regional security developments, Pakistan's military announced it will assist Kuwait with training, capacity building, and border management. This agreement was signed during a visit by Kuwait's defense minister to Pakistan, focusing on bilateral defense relations and security cooperation. Gulf states, historically reliant on U.S. security, are exploring alternative arrangements, with Saudi Arabia having signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey earlier in August. Pakistan also confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran, including a recent visit to Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.