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.
Units from the Iranian Army’s 23rd Airborne Special Forces Brigade took part in a series of raids against Kurdish opposition groups while Tehran was holding talks with the US. During Operation Roaring Lion, Kurdish forces were considered for a possible campaign to topple the regime in Tehran. Iran is now retaliating against its opponents, without US interference.
A senior US Central Command officer asked intelligence personnel to propose “creative” ideas for confronting Iran. The request reflects a reassessment of Washington’s available options, according to a CNN report. US source: “Ultimately, the president will want to reach a deal.”
The US president’s latest reversal followed an Iranian threat that could send the American economy into a tailspin just before the midterm elections. While the United Arab Emirates is urging the White House to eliminate the threat now rather than settle for a temporary solution, two opposing camps have emerged within the Trump administration.
Qatari leaders warned a massive US attack could trigger Iranian retaliation, cripple Gulf energy infrastructure and send oil prices soaring.
