US Treasury threatens Oman with sanctions over Hormuz Strait

The Trump administration has imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting its newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which is attempting to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This action is part of a broader economic pressure campaign aimed at compelling Iran to agree to an end to the ongoing war and reopen the vital waterway. The sanctions also apply to any entities cooperating with this Iranian agency, which has been announcing transit approvals and charging tolls. The U.S. views this move as Iran's desperate attempt to gain revenue amid the war. These sanctions follow recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian facilities and come amidst intense diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict.

During a cabinet meeting, President Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman, a US ally, if it did not "behave" regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This statement followed reports of discussions between Iran and Oman about jointly charging tolls for ships passing through the waterway. Trump asserted the strait would remain open to everyone and that Oman would comply. The article also reports on ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, US strikes on Iranian targets, and retaliatory attacks. In Iran, internet restrictions were partially lifted, revealing public anger over rising food prices. The conflict has displaced over a million people in Lebanon, with thousands killed on both sides. Separately, the UN warned of a record hot year by 2030 due to intensifying climate change.

During a cabinet meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a threat to Oman, a U.S. ally, stating that if the country does not "behave just like everybody else" regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. "will have to blow them up." This statement came in response to a reporter's question about a hypothetical deal allowing Iran and Oman to oversee trade in the strategic waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil traffic. The U.S. State Department later confirmed the comment, referring to Oman. Oman, known for its neutrality, has not indicated any desire to control the strait with Iran. The article notes that Oman and the U.S. have a long-standing alliance with multiple cooperation treaties.

The US Treasury has warned Oman that it will impose sanctions if the country facilitates Iran's establishment of a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Washington will "aggressively target" any actors involved in such efforts and that "willing partners will be penalized." This warning follows recent threats from President Trump against Oman, a country known for its neutrality and mediation. The US stance comes after Iran suggested joint management of the Strait with Oman and subsequently closed the waterway, claiming sovereignty. The article notes that it is unusual for the US to threaten sanctions against a close ally and that the driving force behind Washington's posture is unclear.

Despite US bombings of Iranian targets, Iran remains engaged in peace talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attacks, which targeted missile launchers and mine-laying efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, as a violation of the ceasefire but announced no specific reprisals. The US action killed four Iranian soldiers. Negotiations are focused on unlocking over $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and securing sanctions relief for Iran's oil exports. A separate agreement aims to lift the blockade of Iranian oil ports and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Hardliners in both countries are pressuring negotiators, but Iran's chief negotiator is reportedly focused on the frozen assets as the last major dispute.

US media reports suggest a potential deal with Iran could be finalized on Monday, involving a 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, however, is not a final settlement and defers complex issues like sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear ambitions to later negotiations. Communication difficulties with Iran's supreme leader, reportedly injured in an earlier strike, have slowed talks. The reported deal has divided Republicans, with some criticizing it as too lenient. President Trump, however, stated he would not listen to critics and would make a "good and proper" deal, reiterating that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sent oil prices soaring.

The US military conducted new strikes inside Iran overnight, targeting an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas. This action occurred as four Iranian one-way attack drones, posing a threat near the Strait of Hormuz, were shot down. According to a US official, the struck site was preparing to launch a fifth drone. These strikes took place amidst ongoing negotiations aimed at ending a three-month war that began on February 28th with US and Israeli attacks. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and significantly increased global energy prices.

US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines. US Central Command stated these actions were taken to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The attacks occurred as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks aimed at ending a war. No further details about the strikes were provided by US Central Command.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated," potentially ending a war initiated by the US and Israel in February. The agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, is subject to finalization and will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows calls Trump made with Pakistani mediators, Gulf allies, and Israel. A Pakistani source indicated that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the US aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait. Regional officials suggest the potential deal involves a formal declaration of war's end, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Trump indicated that final aspects and details are still being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday, May 23, 2026, as mediation efforts for a US-Iran peace deal intensified. While Pakistan is reportedly playing a growing role, Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that significant differences remain in the mediated talks with Washington, indicating major obstacles to an agreement. Iran also asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling transit fees a "security service" and rejecting US threats of escalation. An Iranian official emphasized that a halt to the war on all fronts is essential for any future negotiations, and a positive diplomatic atmosphere alone is insufficient for a deal. Separately, outrage is growing over alleged sexual assaults against Gaza aid flotilla activists seized by Israeli forces.

Officials report that Iran and the United States are nearing a deal to end the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Pakistan leading mediation efforts. Significant progress has been made in talks, though last-minute disputes remain a possibility. The potential agreement includes an official declaration of the war's end, followed by two months of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Key provisions also involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress, while Iran described the draft as a "framework agreement" for further discussions. Both nations have emphasized their core positions and warned against resuming hostilities.

Pakistani mediators are working to broker a permanent ceasefire between the US and Iran, though significant disagreements persist. Key sticking points include future control of the Strait of Hormuz and a US demand for Iran to export its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Iran prioritizes ending hostilities and lifting sanctions, proposing its own authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a plan opposed by five Gulf states. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran fear surprise attacks, and the US president maintains military action remains an option. Iran denies media speculation about nuclear issues, stating negotiations focus on ending the war and lifting sanctions.

Iran is reviewing the latest US response to a proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, with diplomacy remaining open according to Tehran. Pakistan's Army Chief is traveling to Iran to facilitate mediation efforts between the two nations. President Pezeshkian stated that diplomatic solutions are still possible, while warning against attempts to force Iran's surrender. Concurrently, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has established a "supervision area" in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to obtain permission for passage. This development coincides with growing international outrage over a video posted by Israel's National Security Minister, appearing to taunt activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Iran's parliament speaker accused the US of seeking a new war.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported "slight progress" in talks with Iran, amid ongoing uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached or war will resume. This comes after President Trump stated he was holding off on military strikes due to "serious negotiations." Rubio's comments preceded a NATO foreign ministers meeting where the alliance might discuss policing the Strait of Hormuz post-war. Despite claims of progress, a deal has not materialized, and Trump has a history of shifting deadlines and actions. Tensions have surfaced between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively involved in de-escalation efforts, with its interior minister visiting Tehran twice. Major sticking points persist, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also reportedly conducted separate attacks on Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Iran has announced an expansion of its claimed military control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map asserting "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. This expanded claim extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" stated that all transit through the strait requires its coordination and authorization. The UAE has rejected these claims, calling them "fragments of dreams" and asserting its maritime sovereignty. The US and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iran's attempts to control the strait, with the US advising ships not to comply with Iran's regulations. Iran has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees safe passage.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States via Pakistan, aiming for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This plan is reportedly a response to a prior nine-point US proposal that focused on a two-month ceasefire. Iran's latest offer emphasizes resolving all issues within 30 days, seeking guarantees for a lasting peace. President Trump is currently reviewing the proposal but has expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal, citing mistrust between the two nations. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has involved a naval war in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran imposing a de facto blockade and the US maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite a ceasefire initiated on April 8. Key US demands include Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing its nuclear capabilities.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Florida, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the proposal, which reportedly includes lifting the US naval blockade, war reparations, and asset release. However, he issued a warning that air strikes could resume if Iran "misbehaves," indicating a continued tough stance. Trump suggested Iran is seeking a settlement due to its weakened state from conflict and the blockade. The diplomatic overture follows a fragile three-week truce that began on April 7th, with Iran seeking a 30-day window to finalize terms, a timeline potentially at odds with US preferences.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.

On day 60 of the Iran war, diplomacy is gaining momentum as the US reviews an Iranian peace proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This plan coincides with potential delays to nuclear talks. Iran's Foreign Minister met with Russian President Putin, indicating Tehran is considering resuming negotiations amidst ongoing tensions. Dozens of nations have urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Iran asserts its armed forces would control the Strait under a proposed law and blames the US for stalled talks, condemning the capture of two Iranian-linked oil tankers as "high seas robbery." Critics question the Iran nuclear expertise of Trump's negotiating team, despite their access to the President.