Trump says ‘good chance’ of progress in Iran talks. What we know

President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. will resume "strong military action" against Iran if diplomatic talks do not yield a swift resolution to the Middle East crisis. He indicated that these negotiations have a limited timeframe. This statement comes as Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson stated there are no direct talks with the U.S. regarding the conflict, though mediators may convey messages. Meanwhile, Oman and Iran are nearing an agreement on managing the Strait of Hormuz, but a dispute remains over transit fees demanded by Iran. The U.S. had previously paused its attacks on Iran, reportedly due to dwindling munitions stockpiles and the limited effectiveness of the campaign.

The United States has paused its bombing campaign against Iran after nearly two weeks of strikes, leading to a cessation of Iran's retaliatory attacks on US military assets in the region. This halt in tit-for-tat strikes, which had significantly impacted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, comes amid reports suggesting depleted US air defense interceptor stocks, though President Trump has denied this. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, with Iran reporting an incident involving ships attempting to pass through an unauthorized route. Tensions persist over shipping control in the Strait, with ongoing diplomatic discussions involving Oman. Additional flashpoints include shipping disruptions in the Bab al-Mandeb strait and a Ukrainian strike on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, as well as the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory.

Iran has halted retaliatory missile strikes against US allies in the Middle East, providing a temporary respite for Gulf shipping and the oil industry. This de-escalation comes as US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that President Trump is "giving talks some space" and allowing negotiations "a little bit of room." The conflict had previously escalated over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to US air campaigns and Iranian reprisals that impacted shipping lanes, regional allies, and military bases. While US forces remain prepared, the current pause suggests a potential opening for diplomatic efforts.

Mediators, led by Qatar and Pakistan, have made progress in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, according to two regional officials. This progress comes after a three-day pause in attacks by both nations, following two weeks of escalating bombardments. The U.S. had been targeting Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure after Iran fired at ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. While direct negotiations are not occurring, mediators are conveying messages between Washington and Tehran to revive an interim ceasefire deal. Iran and Oman are reportedly working on mechanisms to manage vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran maintains the waterway remains closed. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has reached a three-week low.

The US has paused strikes on Iran for a second night following advice from top military officials to President Trump, who is considering diplomatic and military options in the ongoing conflict. This pause comes as diplomatic negotiations continue to prevent a wider war. US military officials reportedly informed Trump that the bombing campaign had reached its limits of effectiveness and warned of dwindling munitions stockpiles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a critic of US negotiations with Iran, is expected to visit the White House soon. Iran has also stated it would pause its "retaliatory" attacks, with both sides engaged in talks mediated by Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has condemned what it calls a "hostile and criminal" Ukrainian attack on a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, resulting in one Iranian sailor killed and another wounded. Iran summoned Ukraine's diplomats, accusing Kyiv of a "criminal" act and warning it could expand the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that long-range strikes targeted vessels carrying Iranian military cargo and a Russian warship, accusing Russia of providing Iran with satellite intelligence for its Middle East campaign. This incident raises concerns about the Caspian Sea becoming a new front for conflict, adding to existing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Relations between Iran and Ukraine have worsened since Iran began supplying drones to Russia.

Tehran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have escalated regional conflict by firing missiles and drones at two Saudi Arabian oil facilities on the Red Sea. This action follows the collapse of a truce and retaliates for Saudi airstrikes on Houthi-held Hodeidah. The conflict has also spread to the Caspian Sea, where Iran accuses Ukraine of a deadly attack on an Iranian vessel, while Ukraine claims successful strikes on military cargo shipments involving Iran. These events occur amidst ongoing US airstrikes on Iran, though a cessation has been noted, with potential for diplomatic discussions. The widening war risks global supply chain crises if key shipping straits are blocked.

The United States and Iran have paused military strikes for a second consecutive day, amid reports of renewed diplomatic efforts. This period of calm follows two weeks of escalating conflict, with the US conducting nightly attacks on Iran and Iran retaliating against US allies in the Gulf. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz indicated President Trump is allowing space for potential talks, with negotiators engaged at various levels. Reports suggest the US pause was influenced by an Omani delegation's arrival in Tehran, aiming to discuss managing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these diplomatic overtures, lingering mistrust persists, and both sides maintain assertive rhetoric while continuing actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran announced on Sunday that it has made progress in talks with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. These discussions, held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between deputy foreign ministers, focused on principles and mechanisms for safe shipping passage while respecting sovereign rights. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman described the negotiations as "useful" and indicated ongoing technical and political consultations. These talks follow renewed US attacks on Iran, aimed at challenging Tehran's control of the strait, and a June memorandum of understanding that had temporarily eased tensions. Previously, Oman and Iran had discussed service fees for the strait, a move opposed by Washington, and Oman's offer of transit through its waters had angered Tehran.

UN envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has expressed alarm over the Houthis' resumption of attacks on Red Sea shipping. He warned that these escalatory actions risk pushing Yemen back towards full-scale war and deepening the suffering of its people. Grundberg called for renewed talks to address Yemen's political, economic, and security challenges, emphasizing that a negotiated settlement would also promote regional stability. The Houthis announced on Wednesday that they struck two Saudi oil tankers, claiming it was in response to their blockade decision. This marks their first attack since announcing the blockade on July 20, which was reportedly in retaliation for the bombing of Sanaa airport's runway.

The US conducted strikes across Iran, reaching the Caspian Sea, in response to Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. President Trump warned Tehran and the Houthis of "major military punishment" for extending the conflict to this key shipping route. Iran retaliated with drone and missile fire against US bases and allies in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. Reports of Iran rejecting a US ceasefire proposal, delivered via Iraq's prime minister, were disputed by Iraq. The Houthis continued their naval blockade, impacting oil prices and shipping insurance. Iran stated its commitment to preserving its interests in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating fundamental disagreements with the US approach to regional peace.

Iran has conducted drone strikes on US military facilities and bases across the Middle East, citing retaliation for American attacks. Explosions were reported along Iran's Gulf coast and in various inland areas, resulting in casualties. Iran also announced strikes on Kuwait, and sirens were heard in Bahrain and Jordan, with flights suspended in Iraq due to a reported drone crash. This escalation follows the US plan, announced by President Trump, to use frozen Iranian assets to cover war damages. Iran's Foreign Minister condemned this move, calling it an "incendiary precedent" that could lead to chaos.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a naval blockade on shipments from Saudi Arabia, targeting tankers linked to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This action, occurring as oil prices surpass $100 a barrel, is shaping which vessels can transport Saudi crude rather than stopping the flow entirely. Analysts are closely watching which tankers, particularly Chinese-owned ones, are allowed passage, as this indicates market trends. The Houthis have previously attacked Saudi oil tankers, with one confirmed ablaze. This situation, coupled with the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is contributing to soaring oil and diesel prices. The role of China's import levels and potential strategic reserves remains an unknown factor.

Yemen faces a new escalation as the Houthi rebels declared a maritime siege on shipping to Saudi Arabia, attacking tankers in the Red Sea. This action, occurring amidst the US-Iran war, places the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the heart of regional tensions and impacts global trade. The internationally recognized Yemeni government claimed responsibility for an air strike on Sanaa airport, which the Houthis blamed on Saudi Arabia, prompting the missile attacks and subsequent blockade. This marks a significant shift in the conflict, moving the threat from land to sea and complicating Saudi Arabia's position. The Yemeni government has restructured its military, with estimates of around 400,000 National Army personnel, alongside other formations, suggesting a potential renewed focus on military objectives.

The Iranian-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility on Thursday for strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, asserting a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. This action, occurring near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raises concerns about a potential second chokehold on global oil supplies, potentially in coordination with Iran's efforts regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis stated their blockade began on Monday. Concurrently, the US military reported launching a new round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, directed by President Donald Trump, marking the twelfth consecutive night of American attacks. Analysts suggest the Houthi blockade could be a strategic move by Iran to gain leverage in diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The United States and Pakistan have condemned Houthi rebels in Yemen for threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea and announcing a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attributed the Houthi actions to Iran's influence and expressed concern about potential disruptions to shipping, comparing the situation to the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated the Houthi threats violate international law and jeopardize global commerce and regional security. Three Houthi officials reported warning international shipping companies to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Houthi media claimed several ships were rerouted. Pakistan emphasized that any hostile act against Pakistani maritime interests would be considered a grave threat to its national security.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group has escalated regional tensions by attacking shipping in the Red Sea, threatening the vital Bab El Mandeb Strait. This action disrupts the main maritime route between Europe and Asia, impacting global trade and potentially exacerbating economic damage already caused by other regional conflicts. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, previously targeted Israeli-linked shipping and launched missiles at US and UK warships. These attacks come amid ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, which previously used the Bab El Mandeb Strait for oil exports, is now facing further disruption to its trade routes.

Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, reaching their highest point since May, following a fifth consecutive day of increases. This rise is attributed to the Houthi group in Yemen claiming responsibility for striking Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. The attacks, occurring amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, risk further disrupting global oil shipping. The Red Sea, like the Strait of Hormuz, is a crucial waterway for transporting crude oil from the Middle East. Analysts suggest that the ongoing conflict and potential disruptions to energy routes could lead to higher inflation and interest rates. A Saudi news agency confirmed that one of the two targeted vessels was ablaze after the assault.

Iran has warned of regional turmoil if US threats and attacks do not cease. Tehran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on X that if Iran's security is not ensured, "no infrastructure will be safe" and oil sales in the region could be impacted. This statement follows eleven consecutive nights of US attacks, some targeting Iranian power plants and roads, which Iran claims have resulted in civilian casualties. Iran has retaliated with attacks on US allies Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, including hitting infrastructure in Kuwait and causing US service member deaths in Jordan and Iraq. Iran's Foreign Minister indicated a policy of "an eye for an eye" in response to future attacks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of flying members of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into Yemen, stating these actions contributed to renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels. Rubio made these remarks in Manila at an ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering, where threats to international shipping were a key concern. The Houthis have declared a blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a critical global trade route. The rebels claim this is retaliation for Saudi restrictions and a recent airport attack, which Rubio disputed, alleging Iran's direct flights of IRGC personnel. The U.S. is monitoring the situation closely, as disruptions to this waterway would be problematic.

The US military has conducted its eleventh consecutive night of strikes, overshadowing diplomatic efforts in Pakistan aimed at securing an interim ceasefire. Yemen's Iranian-aligned Houthis have threatened to attack shipping tankers that use Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea, enforcing a blockade announced the previous day. This warning, coupled with Iran's existing threats to shipping in the Gulf, could impact Saudi oil exports and exacerbate the escalating regional crisis. The article also briefly mentions Iran's underground nuclear facility, referred to as Pickaxe Mountain.

Tankers are making sharp U-turns after Houthi threats to shipping in the Red Sea. Ship-tracking data indicates that approximately four million barrels of oil per day have been shipped from Yanbu recently, a significant increase from the previous year. If the Bab al-Mandab Strait is effectively closed, Saudi Arabia's only alternative for reaching Asia would be to reroute oil shipments through the Mediterranean and around the southern tip of Africa. While the immediate impact on consumers may not be felt, the global energy system is becoming more vulnerable to shocks, potentially leading to higher freight and energy prices. At least 50 vessels in the region are broadcasting messages indicating they have armed guards on board, a practice adopted since Houthi attacks during the war in Gaza. Captains fear misinterpretations by the Houthis could lead to attacks on large crude oil carriers, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Yemen's Houthis have announced a blockade of Saudi ports, causing two tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia to reverse course in the Red Sea. This action threatens approximately 6 million barrels of crude oil per day destined for Asia that normally pass through the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Saudi Arabia had previously rerouted oil through pipelines to its Red Sea port of Yanbu to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, with Bab al-Mandeb now under threat, Asian refiners face the prospect of a significantly longer and more expensive diversion around Africa. This situation raises concerns about potential global oil supply disruptions and price spikes.

Norway's state oil company, Equinor, reported its profits nearly doubled to $11.5 billion in the second quarter of the year. This surge in earnings was driven by increased oil and gas prices, which rose due to heightened geopolitical tensions and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Equinor benefited from a decision to boost its own production, filling a market gap as Gulf oil flows slumped. The company's president and CEO stated that strong production allowed them to capitalize on higher prices, contributing to robust financial results. These profits exceeded analyst predictions and represent a significant increase from the same period last year.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have warned shipping companies against using Saudi Arabian ports on the Red Sea, threatening attacks on tankers. This threat, coupled with Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, could significantly impact Saudi oil exports. The Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, prompting two oil tankers to alter course away from the Red Sea. The US has indicated it will respond if the threats are carried out. The Houthis control territory along the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital shipping channel. This escalation raises concerns about global maritime traffic safety and potential economic repercussions.

Iran attacked US radar and air defense installations in the Gulf on Tuesday, vowing further retaliation. This escalation follows recent US strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz, which the US stated were aimed at protecting commercial shipping. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also reported stopping two oil tankers in the Strait, asserting control over the vital waterway. The conflict is also widening as Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten to blockade Saudi ports. These events occur amidst ongoing tensions and a series of US strikes against Iran.

The United States continued its attacks on Iran for a tenth consecutive night early Tuesday, targeting military command centers, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone launch sites. Explosions were reported on Qeshm Island, in Bandar Abbas, Bandar Lengeh, and Shiraz. Iran retaliated by striking US military assets in the Gulf and attacking Bahrain and Kuwait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also reported massive fires on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House indicated that US attacks would persist unless President Trump decided otherwise.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a blockade of Saudi Arabia, aiming to disrupt shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This action, a retaliation for Saudi Arabia's blockade on Yemen and a recent airport attack, could escalate the Iran war and further impact global trade and oil supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical chokepoint for approximately 12% of global trade. While the Houthis claim to have rerouted ships, independent confirmation is lacking. The rebels have planned for months to disrupt shipping using naval mines, drones, and other methods. This threat could lead to increased shipping risks and costs, potentially impacting Saudi oil exports which have become more reliant on this route due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis' actions also risk reigniting the civil war in Yemen.

The article reports on escalating conflict in the region, with explosions occurring in Iran's Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Chabahar, and Konarak as the US launches a new wave of attacks. Simultaneously, Iran has attacked Kuwait. A naval blockade impacting the Bab al-Mandeb strait is highlighted, which will prevent Saudi Arabia from exporting oil to East Asia and prevent other nations from exporting to Saudi Arabia through this route. The article notes that an Ansar Allah Houthi delegation is in Oman engaging in peaceful dialogue with Saudi officials. However, the Houthi group has stated that if Saudi Arabia responds militarily, their targets will include Saudi Aramco oil facilities. The central question is how Saudi Arabia will choose to respond to the naval blockade.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, potentially disrupting a second major maritime chokepoint for Asian oil buyers. This threat comes as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are already impacted by the US-Iran conflict. Analysts warn that a significant disruption in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could limit Asian alternatives for Middle Eastern crude, threatening Saudi shipments and potentially driving oil prices above $100 per barrel. The Houthis stated the blockade threat is retaliation for Saudi Arabia's alleged 12-year restrictions on goods and resources in Yemen. A full closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could disrupt approximately 7.4 million barrels of petroleum per day, representing about 7% of global oil output.

Saudi Arabia has exercised strategic patience in response to Houthi provocations, which are described as Iran's latest attempt to test Riyadh's resolve through a proxy. Iran aims to disrupt Saudi Arabia's economic transformation and regional standing by threatening maritime shipping in key waterways. The article suggests that Saudi Arabia's military capabilities have significantly evolved over the past decade, becoming a more integrated and sophisticated force. Recent Saudi actions, such as striking Sana'a International Airport, are presented as efforts to prevent Iran from establishing logistical corridors for advanced proxy operations. The Saudi-led Joint Forces Command is highlighted as a mature, multi-domain force capable of synchronized operations and escalation control, suggesting that Iran's calculations may be based on outdated assumptions about Saudi military strength.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that mediators have presented proposals to end the renewed fighting between Iran and the United States. These diplomatic efforts are proceeding alongside military actions, as Iran asserts the conflict will continue until deterrence against further attacks is achieved. The spokesman urged regional countries not to permit US military use of their territory for attacks on Iran. This comes after recent exchanges of fire, with Iran targeting bridges, roads, and military sites, and Iran carrying out attacks on several Arab countries, claiming to target US forces. The US Secretary of State indicated openness to diplomatic solutions but cited Iran's strikes as an impediment, noting a perceived split among Iranian officials regarding continued war or negotiations.

Yemen's Houthis have declared an immediate "maritime embargo" on Saudi Arabia, stating it is a response to a Saudi blockade of Yemeni ports and airports. This announcement follows the Houthis' previous attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since October 2023, which they claimed were in support of Palestinians. These attacks significantly disrupted commercial traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. While Houthi attacks paused briefly, traffic has not fully recovered. Saudi Arabia has consequently rerouted a substantial portion of its crude exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. It remains unclear if the Houthis will specifically target vessels bound for Saudi Arabia.

The US launched its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran early Monday, following the death of a third American service member in recent days. President Trump stated these attacks were "in honor" of the deceased, while Iran's supreme leader warned of repercussions. The latest service member was killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. The US mission against Iran, which began in February after the death of Iran's former supreme leader in joint US-Israeli strikes, has shifted towards ensuring oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is reviewing whether to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Spain won the Fifa men's World Cup, defeating Argentina in extra-time.

Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent is urging the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East amidst ongoing conflict with Iran. Kent stated on X that the U.S. should leave to avoid mass casualties and break an escalation trap, suggesting former President Trump could still frame such a move as a victory. His comments followed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcements of two U.S. service members killed and one missing in Jordan following an Iranian attack on July 17, and another service member killed in Iraq on July 18 during a drone ordnance detonation. Kent previously resigned from his government post, citing opposition to the Iran war and asserting Iran posed no imminent threat, attributing the conflict's start to pressure from Israel and its lobby. He believes removing U.S. forces would deprive Iran of military targets and justifications for regional disruption.