Iran, US make opposing claims of peace talks as cargo ships report strikes

A cargo ship reported being struck by an unknown projectile overnight in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, as the U.S. and Iran issued contradictory claims about ongoing peace talks. The incident occurred approximately 37 kilometers northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center.

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hit by an unknown projectile

British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the ship sustained damage. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil and natural gas passes, has been a focal point of regional tensions. Iran has effectively closed the strait due to its attacks on shipping since February, while the U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the waterway.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that talks with Iran were resuming to de-escalate the war. However, Iran countered that discussions were limited to Oman and focused specifically on the Strait of Hormuz. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari indicated that mediation efforts were underway with all parties involved, aiming for a diplomatic solution, though he did not elaborate on the conflicting statements regarding direct talks.

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sensitive target

In Yemen, a military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed a drone strike hit a "sensitive target" at an airport in Najran, Saudi Arabia, without providing evidence. The rebels stated the attack was retaliation for Saudi Arabia allegedly breaching Yemeni airspace. The Houthis recently announced a blockade on Saudi-linked shipping passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads to the Red Sea. The rebels have been in conflict with Saudi Arabia since 2014, with a truce in place since 2022.

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We're looking into a diplomatic solution