Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s deputy foreign minister said Thursday, but warned the agreement would not automatically reopen the waterway. Iran has also denied any direct negotiations with the United States.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” on ports and airports by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, a Saudi official told CNN, citing “multiple intelligence reports.”
Iran Demands US Commitments
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi spelled out Iran’s demands for the strait to reopen, saying the US must:
· End the naval blockade on Iranian ports
· Address sanctions reimposed on Iran – especially on the oil sector
· Resume negotiations over Tehran’s frozen assets
· Address the US’ “failure” to ensure stability in Lebanon
Gharibabadi said negotiations with Oman have continued for more than three weeks and produced broad agreement on proposed shipping routes, technical arrangements, and a joint coordination center to manage maritime traffic.
Under the proposed arrangement, parts of the new inbound and outbound corridors would pass through Iranian waters, marking a departure from a decades-old system under which commercial traffic traveled through Omani waters.
“This understanding does not, in itself, mean that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen,” Gharibabadi said, adding that reopening remains subject to specific preconditions.
Trump Insists US Has ‘Massive Amounts’ of Munitions
President Donald Trump claimed the United States has “massive amounts” of munitions, pushing back on reports of a depleted Pentagon stockpile.
“The U.S. has massive amounts of ‘munitions,’ especially of certain types. Additionally, large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the U.S. as needed,” Trump posted on Truth Social early Thursday.
He later acknowledged certain munitions are in “tighter” supply after months of war with Iran, while insisting the US had other, less advanced types of weapons to continue fighting if necessary.
“We have unlimited, virtual unlimited supply. We have others where it’s a little bit tighter,” Trump said in the Oval Office.
CNN previously reported that the US military had exhausted nearly 80% of its interceptors for its key THAAD missile defense system, and that senior commanders had warned the Pentagon’s munitions stockpile is “dangerously low.”
Tehran Accuses Trump of ‘Theater Diplomacy’
Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator accused Trump of “theater diplomacy” on Thursday as Washington and Tehran gave sharply conflicting accounts of whether talks were taking place.
“‘Massive attack coming… wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media.
Trump has repeatedly said negotiations with Iran are underway, telling Fox News on Tuesday: “They had an all-day negotiation today, and it looks like things are very good.”
Tehran has denied any US-Iran talks are taking place or planned, though Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said mediators are working to de-escalate tensions and pass messages between the two sides.
Ghalibaf said the United States’ use of “bullying,” broken promises and fake news as leverage was a “failed strategy.”
“Acknowledge the facts and fulfill your commitments. We don’t need more theater,” he added.
Saudi Arabia Braces for Attacks
A Saudi official told CNN that the country is anticipating “multiple coordinated attacks” on ports and airports by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, citing multiple intelligence reports.