The United States and Iran exchanged strikes on Thursday in their most serious confrontation since an April ceasefire, escalating tensions around efforts to end the conflict and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key focus in ongoing negotiations because of its importance to global oil and gas supplies.
Oil prices rose on Thursday following reports of the strikes, reversing losses recorded a day earlier when hopes of a possible agreement had eased market concerns.
Speaking on the situation, U.S. President Donald Trump rejected suggestions of a temporary arrangement that would allow Oman and Iran to jointly control access through the strait.
“The strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump said, describing it as international waters.
He also warned Oman against restricting access, despite the Gulf nation’s mediation role in the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned the remarks, describing them as a dangerous sign of intimidation in international relations.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a newly created agency responsible for collecting transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
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