U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that the United States has no planned talks with Iran, while asserting that the Strait of Hormuz remains "open and operating." This comes amidst regional tensions and a reported strike on a vessel exiting the crucial waterway.
Trump also reiterated on social media that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is "in full force and effect," but claimed that all water mines have been removed and that other marine traffic is free to pass. He posted a map that depicted the strait as U.S. territory.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to Trump's post, writing on X that "Just as Trump correctly wrote the name of the eternal Persian Gulf, soon his delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will either be corrected or we will correct the delusions of this deluded man."
The Trump administration has informed Oman that it opposes certain elements of a potential deal between Iran and Oman aimed at managing shipping traffic through the strait. Officials briefed on the U.S. position, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated these objections include joint Iranian and Omani management of the passage's exit route and the collection of voluntary fees from vessels, even if designated for security and environmental protection.
The White House referred to Trump's remarks and declined further comment on Oman. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that an Iranian-Omani deal could potentially pave the way for Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations for a "comprehensive and permanent deal that addresses all concerns and enhances regional security and stability." This statement followed a meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi.
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant reduction, with confirmed crossings falling 19.5% to 95 transits last week. Kpler, a shipping data platform, reported that only three vessels transited the waterway on Sunday, all using the Iranian-designated route.
Separately, an unidentified projectile damaged the engine room of a ship in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, resulting in a "crew casualty," according to the British military’s UK Maritime Trade Operations center. Details about the ship, its cargo, or the nature of the crew casualty were not immediately released. The Omani Coast Guard is assisting the crew, and authorities are investigating. No environmental damage has been reported.
In other regional developments, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. This incident is part of an escalation of attacks against government forces in Yemen and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government.
Additionally, the defense ministry of the United Arab Emirates reported that two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward the UAE. One missile reportedly landed outside the country's waters, and the other within its waters. No damage or injuries were reported. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, rejected the UAE's claims, calling them "detrimental to ongoing efforts to strengthen trust among the countries of the region."