Tehran exploring options to strike American installations in southeastern Europe and subsea cables in the event that President Donald Trump pursues military escalation, according to a Financial Times report.
With most vessels choosing the US-protected Omani route, Iran's grip on the waterway is fading.
As the White House celebrated a diplomatic achievement, intelligence indicates Tehran used the “window of opportunity” to rapidly rebuild its missile capabilities and place hard-liners in control. Under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran is preparing to sabotage global infrastructure and conduct ground raids: “There is also a widespread view in Iran that the main war has not yet begun,”
The Iranian president says his country can no longer sell oil at previous levels and tax revenues from industry have plunged. “We can no longer collect taxes from factories. Not only that, but we also have to provide them with funds so they can continue operating,” he says.
Three diplomatic sources involved in the talks tell Israel Hayom that a deal is not close and that the draft understandings between Oman and Iran fail to meet the US demand for unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
A video of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been released for the first time since he took office, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Publication comes amid reports that he is in serious condition and after his prolonged absence from public view.
Iranian president defends memorandum of understanding with US, says conditions are ripe for a deal. Financial Times: US blockade of Iran proving effective.
A Tehran-Oman agreement could restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but at the cost of Iranian oversight and possible transit fees. Washington warns that recognizing state control over an international shipping lane would set a troubling precedent.
US, Iran and Oman are close to 60-day arrangement. Under the proposed framework, ships would travel through Iranian and Omani waters without paying transit fees, while mines would be cleared from strait within 30 days.
A senior regional diplomatic official says Gulf and US leaders agree that Iran’s regime must be weakened economically until it falls or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is neutralized, as US-Iran talks continue despite public denials. Meanwhile, the maritime blockade is exacting a heavy price, with inflation at 90%, fuel shortages and Iranians selling personal belongings to survive.
