Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The US and Oman have been negotiating separately with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that is vital to the global economy. It has been largely closed for nearly six months during the US-Iran war.
Both sides suggested on Saturday that discussions were progressing, but a timeline on any deal being finalised remained unclear. Oman's foreign ministry warned against attacks on shipping that could hamper that.
According to reports, the proposed agreement under discussion would establish a 60-day arrangement guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman. The temporary framework would not require shipping companies to pay transit tolls and could be extended if both sides agree
In a post on Truth Social on August 1, 2026, the US president wrote that he had decided to "cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL" - which would include the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to "Iran's nuclear threat".
The missile strike came hours after Saudi Arabia launched air raids on Houthi-linked sites in the Yemeni port city of Hodeida and on the nearby Kamaran Island. The Houthis had earlier vowed to retaliate against the attacks.
The strikes, announced by the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) on Saturday, were ordered by President Donald Trump following Friday night's attack, which also left one U.S. service member missing and four others injured.
The World Trade Organisation has identified Kenya among 18 economies that face the greatest risk from disruptions affecting nitrogenous fertiliser supplies passing through the Gulf region.
The latest warning came after Trump abandoned a proposed 20% charge on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the United States resumed its blockade of Iranian ports, adding fresh pressure on Tehran.
The US president said they were hitting Iran "very hard" as strikes were launched for the third consecutive night amid escalating attacks between the two countries.
According to the US Central Command (Centcom), the latest operation began at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST) on Sunday and targeted dozens of Iranian military installations.
ran responded by announcing the closure of the strategic waterway, claiming strikes on a US military base in Jordan, and warning it would respond with "severity" to any further American action.
The latest developments also triggered security concerns across the Gulf. Bahrain reported explosions in its capital, Manama, Kuwait said it intercepted missiles and drones, while Qatar issued a security alert after reporting Iranian attacks.