Capital of Oman, gateway to the Gulf and Hormuz corridor
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has ground toward a halt this weekend as a 60‑day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has reached its expiry and negotiations remain stalled. Kpler data shows single‑digit daily transits; Iran has repeated demands that the U.S. lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions and pay reparations, while the U.S. says it can maintain the blockade indefinitely and is planning further economic pressure.
The 60-day window for a comprehensive Iran-US peace deal has expired. Talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain unsettled as both sides accuse the other of violations. Trump has publicly claimed a backchannel with Iran’s IRGC, while Iran and Oman pursue a route to restore shipping lanes.
The latest sanctions have intensified economic pressure on Tehran as a U.S.-led effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz stalls. Tehran says it will respond with intensified measures while Washington maintains its economic campaign.
Iran and Oman have agreed a phased framework to create a temporary navigational corridor and a joint mine‑clearance project for the Strait of Hormuz. The route would route inbound traffic through Iranian waters and outbound traffic partly through Omani waters; technical talks will continue on a permanent arrangement. The strait remains effectively closed until political conditions are met.
Somalia and Qatar reaffirm cooperation, focusing on regional stability. Barre has briefed Qatar on security gains and development, while Qatar’s prime minister praises Somalia’s sovereignty and cooperation. Discussions cover cross-border terrorism, international security, and mutual support.
Gulf states and Iran have been negotiating a temporary shipping framework for the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing war-related disruptions. Oman and Iran are coordinating on routes while Bahrain has declined participation. Oil-price volatility remains as markets watch for a regional security framework to emerge.
Trump has reiterated that the Iran war should end this year and links the outcome to oil policy, saying the U.S. could stay and keep the oil like Venezuela if negotiations stall. He also notes that gasoline prices would drop once the conflict ends, as diplomacy stalls over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon inspector general has reported that Operation Epic Fury has cost $33.4 billion from 28 February to 30 June, including $22.3 billion on expended munitions. The report has found strategic inventory shortfalls, industrial bottlenecks for resupply, and millions in damage to aircraft, drones and diplomatic facilities.
Houthi forces have seized islands and ports on Yemen's Red Sea coast, taken control of access to the Bab al‑Mandeb strait and stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences have said they have intercepted incoming drones and missiles while shipping and global oil routes have been disrupted and prices have risen.
US and Iranian officials have held three hours of indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Trump has described the session as "very productive" and said he faces a "big decision" about whether to pursue a deal or escalate military action. Gulf states are pressing for a route to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and plan further diplomacy.
Iranian civil aviation has suspended flights to several regional destinations amid U.S. sanctions pressure. Iraqi authorities are diverting potential flights to Najaf as Baghdad considers rerouting Tehran-bound services. Iran insists remaining international routes—including Istanbul—will operate as scheduled.
Houthi forces have launched missile and drone strikes on the al‑Maashiq presidential palace in Aden, hitting command centres and killing and wounding guards and civilians. Yemen’s prime minister and most ministers have been reported safe. The strikes mark a sharp escalation as the Iran‑aligned rebels press attacks on Saudi targets and government positions in Yemen.
The UN has confirmed the death of Mohammad El-Shami, a Yemeni staffer with the UN Human Rights Office, who was detained by Houthi authorities since June 2024. The UN has called for a prompt, independent investigation and for all detained personnel to be released. Other UN staff remain in custody as Yemen’s civil war continues to displace civilians.
GCC states have signed groundwork for a Gulf Railway that will connect Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. The project aims for full network operation by 2030 and is positioned as a regional response to disrupted maritime routes, strengthening cross-border trade and logistics.