A British maritime monitoring agency reported that a cargo ship was struck by a projectile overnight off the coast of Oman within the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with conflicting statements from the United States and Iran regarding ongoing discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that both sides were resuming talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict. However, Iran maintained that its discussions were exclusively with Oman and centered on the Strait of Hormuz.
The following details key developments in the Middle East as of Tuesday.
Cargo Ship Reports Strike in Strait of Hormuz
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that the cargo ship was "hit by an unknown projectile" at 2 a.m. local time while located 37 kilometers (23 miles) northeast of Al Khasab in Oman.
UKMTO did not release further details about the vessel, such as its flag or whether it was transporting cargo.
Al Khasab is situated on the tip of the Arabian peninsula that extends into the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas passes prior to the war.
Since the conflict began in February, Iran's attacks have effectively restricted shipping in the strait, while the U.S. has also implemented a blockade on Iranian ports within the waterway.
US and Iran Offer Conflicting Claims About Talks
Trump announced Monday that talks with Iran had restarted, one day after he stated he canceled threats of major strikes against the country. Trump attributed this pullback to urging from Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump asserted, "Whether 'Iran wants to admit it or not, we are, in fact, talking.'"
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters on Monday that no negotiations were occurring with the U.S., adding that Tehran's discussions were solely with Oman and focused on securing a route for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump expressed frustration with Iran, suggesting Tehran initiated the talks, which are considered crucial for ending the month-long conflict and resuming halted cargo traffic through the strait.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, the U.S. president wrote, "Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!"
He continued, "They ask for a meeting, some would say 'beg,' talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman’."