Oman and Iran held talks on Sunday to ensure smooth transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalated amid US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the key global oil route.
The discussions, held at the deputy foreign minister level, focused on proposals to maintain shipping flow through the strait, which remains effectively disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Experts from both sides presented multiple options that are expected to be reviewed further.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a critical moment, with Trump warning Iran of severe consequences if the waterway is not reopened within the deadline, sharply escalating pressure on Tehran.
Even as talks continue, the conflict has intensified across the region. The United States claimed it carried out a daring operation to rescue a crew member from a downed F-15 inside Iran, though Iranian officials said the mission was foiled and resulted in losses for US forces.
Iran has also claimed it shot down an American A-10 Thunderbolt II, marking a further escalation in direct military confrontation.
Meanwhile, Iranian drone strikes caused severe damage to oil and petrochemical facilities in Kuwait, triggering fires and raising fresh concerns over energy infrastructure in the Gulf. The violence has spread across the region, with explosions reported in Damascus and surrounding areas.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah launched missile strikes on Israeli positions, while Israel intercepted additional Iranian missiles. Civilian areas in Bahrain were also impacted by debris from intercepted drones, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Diplomatic efforts remain strained. Iran has rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal, choosing instead to continue military operations. At the same time, global powers remain divided on how to respond, with efforts at the United Nations Security Council to address the crisis facing delays.
With the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass—under threat, oil markets remain volatile and fears of prolonged disruption continue to grow.
Iran internet blackout is longest nationwide shutdown on record, reports NetBlocks
Iran's nationwide internet blackout, first imposed more than a month ago, has now become the longest such shutdown ever recorded, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.
The group said the outage has entered its 37th consecutive day — over 860 hours — making it the most severe country-wide internet shutdown on record, surpassing all previous incidents in scale and duration.
US Iran war news: Lebanon president calls for Israel talks to prevent Gaza-style destruction
"It is true that Israel might want to do in southern Lebanon what it did in Gaza," Aoun said in a televised address, after Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive against Hezbollah, destroying several southern Lebanese villages.
"Gaza was destroyed, over 70,000 people were killed, and they eventually sat down and negotiated, so why don't we negotiate... until we can at least save the homes that have not yet been destroyed?" he added.
US Iran war news: Abu Dhabi says operations at Borouge suspended after debris fall
"Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to multiple fires in Borouge petrochemicals plant, caused by falling debris following successful interceptions by air defence systems. Operations at the facility have been immediately suspended while damage is assessed. No injuries have been reported. An update will be provided once further information is available. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information," the official X account of Abu Dhabi Media (@ADMediaOffice) said.
Iran war news: Five killed in Iran in strikes during US pilot rescue, says Iranian media
"Five people were martyred in last night's attack on the Kouh-e Siah area" in southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, the Tasnim news agency cited provincial official Iraj Kazemijou as saying.
