Kathmandu— U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that there are no ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, but maintained the Strait of Hormuz is “open and operating” despite reduced vessel traffic and a recent incident involving a struck ship within its waters; this comes as Oman nears an agreement with Iran regarding management of shipping through the strait, prompting threats from Trump against Oman if it were to ‘get in the way.’ Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, and escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza.

Strait of Hormuz Negotiations Stall

As negotiations between Iran and Oman progress toward a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump asserted via social media that a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains “in full force and effect,” while claiming all water mines have been removed and other marine traffic is free to pass. He also posted a map depicting the strait as U.S. territory. In response, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi suggested Trump’s claims were delusional. The Trump administration has reportedly communicated its opposition to certain aspects of the proposed deal between Oman and Iran, specifically joint management of the passage's exit route and the collection of fees for security and environmental protection.

Regional Attacks and Security Concerns

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz experienced a significant decrease last week, with confirmed crossings falling by 19.5% to 95 transits, and only three vessels passing on Sunday according to shipping data platform Kpler. Simultaneously, an unidentified projectile damaged a ship in the strait near Oman, resulting in a crew casualty, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center. In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, potentially reigniting the civil war and creating another front in the broader regional conflict.

Escalation of Conflict in Gaza and UAE

An Israeli strike on Gaza City Tuesday killed six people, including a child, and wounded fourteen others, according to Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military stated it targeted Hamas commanders allegedly planning attacks against Israeli forces. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates reported that two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward its territory, one landing in waters outside the country and the other within them; however, Iranian officials rejected these claims, calling accusations “detrimental” to regional trust.

Egypt Sees Potential for Broader Deal

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated Tuesday that the agreement between Iran and Oman could potentially open a pathway for renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran, aiming for a “comprehensive and permanent deal” addressing concerns and enhancing regional security. This statement followed a meeting between Egyptian and Omani foreign ministers, though it did not address Trump’s recent threats against Oman.

The 60-day negotiating period between the U.S. and Iran concluded this week without a clear resolution to ongoing tensions in the region, leaving the future of maritime security and diplomatic efforts uncertain.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.