US Iran War News Live Updates: Iran keeps Hormuz closed despite Oman deal; Trump warns of military response

The Middle East conflict has entered a fragile diplomatic phase as Iran and Oman work towards a temporary arrangement to restore limited commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists the strategic waterway remains officially and militarily closed. Under the proposed framework, commercial vessels would use a temporary corridor involving Iranian and Omani territorial waters, while military vessels would be barred. Iran and Oman are expected to negotiate a permanent navigation system within 30 to 60 days, with mine clearance also forming part of the agreement.

The developments signal an attempt to ease one of the conflict’s most damaging economic consequences without amounting to a full reopening of the Strait. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stressed that “militarily, the Strait of Hormuz is closed”, highlighting Tehran’s continued control over the security and navigation arrangements. Qatar has backed the Oman-Iran diplomatic efforts, while the US has begun returning some personnel to Middle Eastern diplomatic missions that were previously evacuated or downsized, suggesting Washington sees a reduced risk of immediate escalation.

However, tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump said mines had been removed or detonated from international waters in the Strait and warned that any attempt by Iran to lay new mines would trigger an immediate military response. Shipping remains hazardous, with an oil tanker recently struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coast. At the same time, Washington is increasing economic pressure on Tehran by threatening penalties against countries continuing to do business with Iran, while Iran has condemned the campaign as “gross lawlessness”.

The conflict has also created significant political pressure inside the US, with Reuters/Ipsos polling showing declining public support for the war and falling approval ratings for Trump. Meanwhile, the full extent of damage to Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities remains unclear. With diplomatic negotiations still stalled, the emerging Oman-Iran shipping arrangement could provide a limited pathway towards de-escalation, but the US-Iran confrontation, the unresolved status of Hormuz and continued security threats mean the wider conflict remains highly volatile.