Qatar mediates as US and Iran stay far apart on conditions for talks
Qatar's prime minister was due to meet President Trump in Washington on Monday. Iran and the US remain far apart.
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Hormuz closure
Symbolic imageWhere things stand
Qatar is mediating as the US and Iran stay far apart on conditions for talks. Secretary of State Rubio reports no progress, while Iran says its offer to restart talks within two days requires Washington to halt hostilities, lift the blockade and waive sanctions.
The Strait of Hormuz is at the centre of a dispute arising from the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has left commercial shipping crews caught in the area. According to reporting by Folha de S.Paulo, roughly 6,000 sailors are stranded there, unable to complete their voyages because of the conflict. The case has been taken up by Volker Türk, the United Nations human rights chief, who has framed it as a matter requiring urgent measures. What such measures would consist of, and which parties would have to act on them, is not specified in the available reporting. The overall scale and duration of the situation therefore remain unconfirmed beyond the UN's own account.
Timeline in detail
Tankers burn in Hormuz as US extends Iran blockade to land routes
Tankers burn in Hormuz as US extends Iran blockade to land routes
Iran reports more tanker fires in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US adds a land blockade. Trump calls renewed war highly unlikely if talks progress; Rubio reports no progress.
US strikes Qeshm and widens Iran blockade as Qatar mediates
US strikes Qeshm and widens Iran blockade as Qatar mediates
The US hit Iranian air defences on Qeshm island and launched a task force against Iran's land trade routes. Qatar says its mediation is making progress.
Seafarer dies on tanker near Hormuz as Iran claims more mine strikes
Seafarer dies on tanker near Hormuz as Iran claims more mine strikes
A suspected missile strike on the tanker Velos Sapphire killed one seafarer in the Gulf on Thursday. Iran's Guards say two more tankers hit mines in Hormuz.
South Korea to deploy navy closer to Hormuz
South Korea to deploy navy closer to Hormuz
Seoul will ask parliament to extend the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit's area to about 650 km from the Strait of Hormuz, after criticism from Donald Trump over its support in the Iran war. According to Le Monde, the plan includes a destroyer, a maritime patrol aircraft, a mine-clearing team and drones.
More tankers burn in Hormuz as Iran keeps up pressure
More tankers burn in Hormuz as Iran keeps up pressure
Iran says five tankers and a tugboat caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after striking mines. A Turkish soldier was also killed by fire from the Iranian side of the border.
Iran says four more tankers burn after hitting mines near Hormuz
Iran says four more tankers burn after hitting mines near Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that four tankers hit mines south of the Strait of Hormuz and are still burning.
Three more tankers explode in Hormuz while an Indian is killed in attack near Oman
Three more tankers explode in Hormuz while an Indian is killed in attack near Oman
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say three tankers hit sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday after taking an unauthorised route. Separately, India's foreign ministry says an Indian was killed in an attack on a ship near Oman.
Hormuz tanker fires continue as IMO says attack count is understated
Hormuz tanker fires continue as IMO says attack count is understated
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say 11 tankers violating its passage rules have caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz since 25 October. The UN maritime agency says the true number of attacks may be higher.
Two tankers hit mines in Hormuz, Iran says, as Qatari LNG carrier is struck
Two tankers hit mines in Hormuz, Iran says, as Qatari LNG carrier is struck
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that two tankers exploded after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar reported that one of its LNG carriers was hit by unidentified objects.
Tankers burn in Hormuz as Iran offers two-day reopening on its terms
Tankers burn in Hormuz as Iran offers two-day reopening on its terms
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say four tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Araghchi says Tehran could reopen the strait within two days if its conditions are met.
Limpet mines hit Hormuz tanker as Iran blames ships for using unauthorised routes
Limpet mines hit Hormuz tanker as Iran blames ships for using unauthorised routes
A small boat attached limpet mines to a tanker in Hormuz on Thursday, maritime sources say. Iran says other tankers hit mines on unauthorised routes.
Iran reports tankers hitting mines in Hormuz as US says main routes are clear
Iran reports tankers hitting mines in Hormuz as US says main routes are clear
Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy says three tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim the US rejects. An earlier oil spill keeps UAE beaches closed.
Oil spill closes UAE beaches as US urges ships to avoid Hormuz transits
Oil spill closes UAE beaches as US urges ships to avoid Hormuz transits
An oil spill from a damaged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has reached UAE beaches, and Sharjah has closed all of its beaches while the clean-up continues. Bloomberg reports that the US also told ships to avoid unnecessary transits through the strait.
Iran threatens legal action against Sinokor ships over Hormuz
Iran threatens legal action against Sinokor ships over Hormuz
Iran's strait authority said Sinokor vessels will face legal action, Reuters reports. According to the Financial Times, the Iranian regime accuses the South Korean shipping group of repeated 'crossing violations' but has so far enforced its rules only through military action.
Record attacks on Hormuz shipping as US touts escorts and Gulf oil slick widens
Record attacks on Hormuz shipping as US touts escorts and Gulf oil slick widens
Attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz hit a record high, Handelsblatt reports. Reuters says an oil spill off the UAE widened, closing more beaches.
UAE closes more beaches over Gulf oil slick
UAE closes more beaches over Gulf oil slick
An oil slick from a tanker reportedly hit by a mine in the Strait of Hormuz has washed ashore in the UAE, and authorities have closed beaches in Umm Al Quwain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the war against the United States and Israel has changed security conditions and that Hormuz shipping will not return to its pre-war standard.
Oil slick off UAE closes beaches after tanker reportedly hit a mine
Oil slick off UAE closes beaches after tanker reportedly hit a mine
Ras Al Khaimah has closed all beaches until further notice because of an oil spill off the UAE coast, The National reports. Al Jazeera says a vessel reportedly hit a naval mine in early October.
Eight foreign ministers warn against new Iran strikes as Hormuz ship attacks mount
Eight foreign ministers warn against new Iran strikes as Hormuz ship attacks mount
European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers meeting in Istanbul warned that renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran would widen the war. A Trump envoy, Mike Waltz, said Washington is ready for a long stand-off, the Financial Times reports.
Iran says seven ships hit near Hormuz as US and Israel reportedly plan post-midterm strikes
Iran says seven ships hit near Hormuz as US and Israel reportedly plan post-midterm strikes
Iran's IRGC says seven vessels were hit near Hormuz, while the New York Times reports US-Israeli plans for renewed strikes after the 3 November midterms.
Netanyahu calls for Iran regime's fall as Hormuz stays shut and talks stall
Netanyahu calls for Iran regime's fall as Hormuz stays shut and talks stall
Netanyahu said on Wednesday he has told the IDF and Mossad to overthrow Iran's regime. Iran says Hormuz stays closed until the US accepts its terms.
Hegseth visits Israel as Washington weighs Iran strikes and Hormuz attacks go on
Hegseth visits Israel as Washington weighs Iran strikes and Hormuz attacks go on
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced trip to Israel, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. Netanyahu says he discussed toppling Iran's regime with Trump.
Iran says Hormuz offer stands as ship attacks continue and Lavrov visits Tehran
Iran says Hormuz offer stands as ship attacks continue and Lavrov visits Tehran
Iran says its Hormuz offer stands if its conditions are met, even as attacks on shipping continue. Russia's foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Monday.
Iran says Hormuz offer stands as another tanker burns
Iran says Hormuz offer stands as another tanker burns
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days remains on the table. The Revolutionary Guards report another tanker hit a mine.
Iran says two supertankers hit mines as it declares Hormuz closed
Iran says two supertankers hit mines as it declares Hormuz closed
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say two loaded supertankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guards also declared the strait closed.
Trump says US may strike Pickaxe Mountain as Iran reports tanker fire in Gulf of Oman
Trump says US may strike Pickaxe Mountain as Iran reports tanker fire in Gulf of Oman
Trump told Newsmax the US may have to strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site. Iran's military reported a tanker on fire in the Gulf of Oman.
Container ship sinks near Hormuz as UN warns of fertiliser shortfall
Container ship sinks near Hormuz as UN warns of fertiliser shortfall
A Singapore-registered container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz after an attack. A UN official warns of a food crisis without a fertiliser deal.
UN warns of food crisis if Hormuz fertiliser plan stays stalled
UN warns of food crisis if Hormuz fertiliser plan stays stalled
A UN official warned on Wednesday that parts of Asia and Africa could face a food crisis unless Iran and the US agree within weeks on moving fertiliser through Hormuz.
Container ship sinks near Hormuz as Iranian attacks on shipping surge
Container ship sinks near Hormuz as Iranian attacks on shipping surge
A Singapore-flagged container ship sank near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack, as Iranian strikes on shipping surge.
Attacks on Hormuz shipping reach worst level of the war
Attacks on Hormuz shipping reach worst level of the war
Iran has hit 24 ships near the Strait of Hormuz in two weeks, the most intense spell since the war began. Tehran says it has agreed a temporary safe route with Oman.
Iran strikes more tankers near Hormuz as indirect talks with US continue
Iran strikes more tankers near Hormuz as indirect talks with US continue
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they hit a third supertanker in the Strait of Hormuz within two days. Tehran is still reviewing Washington's reply to its seven-point plan, with mediators relaying messages.
US disables blockade runner as Iran rejects Washington's Hormuz reply
US disables blockade runner as Iran rejects Washington's Hormuz reply
A US jet disabled a ship leaving Iran, and tankers burned near Hormuz and Sohar. Iran called Washington's reply to its seven conditions insufficient.
Tanker explodes in Hormuz as US disables ship running Iran blockade
Tanker explodes in Hormuz as US disables ship running Iran blockade
Iran says a supertanker hit a mine in Hormuz, while the US disabled a ship leaving an Iranian port.
Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as Iran attacks tankers beyond Hormuz
Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as Iran attacks tankers beyond Hormuz
Trump said on Thursday the US will not attack Iran before the 3 November midterms, citing talks with Tehran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards meanwhile hit tankers beyond Hormuz.
Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as Hormuz traffic falls
Trump rules out Iran strikes before midterms as Hormuz traffic falls
Trump said on Thursday the US will not attack Iran before the 3 November midterms, after a report on Pentagon strike options. Ship traffic through Hormuz fell to its lowest in over two months.
Oman evacuates injured crew from attacked tanker in Hormuz
Oman evacuates injured crew from attacked tanker in Hormuz
Oman evacuated injured crew members from the tanker On Peace after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. India's Foreign Ministry says 11 of the 12 injured are Indian nationals.
Tanker attacks in Hormuz hit weekly high as US and Iran dispute control of strait
Tanker attacks in Hormuz hit weekly high as US and Iran dispute control of strait
Attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest weekly count of the war, sources told Reuters. Washington says the strait is open, Tehran says it is closed.
Gulf oil flows recover as Iran keeps attacking tankers
Gulf oil flows recover as Iran keeps attacking tankers
Oil exports from the Gulf are back near 80% of prewar levels, according to Shell's chief executive. Iran keeps attacking ships in Hormuz, and Western stockpiles are nearly spent.
Tanker attacks in Hormuz continue as Iran says US warships have left
Tanker attacks in Hormuz continue as Iran says US warships have left
Attacks on tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz continued over the weekend, and the IRGC turned another vessel back. Iran says no US warships remain in the Gulf region.
Tanker attacks resume in Hormuz as Iran holds the strait shut and the US adds forces
Tanker attacks resume in Hormuz as Iran holds the strait shut and the US adds forces
Tanker attacks resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says stays shut until its conditions are met. Iran's security chief admitted a dire economic crisis.
Oil from grounded Russian tanker reaches Oman's coast
Oil from grounded Russian tanker reaches Oman's coast
Al Jazeera reported on Saturday that cleanup crews are working along 12 kilometres of Omani coastline after a spill from the grounded tanker. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei put the region's environmental damage from the Hormuz oil slicks in the trillions of dollars and said everyone involved in commercial shipping operations must bear legal and moral responsibility for clearing the aftermath.
Iran rejects US claim to Hormuz as ship attacks mount
Iran rejects US claim to Hormuz as ship attacks mount
Iran has rejected Trump's threat to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, saying its blockade holds until Washington concedes defeat. Attacks on shipping are multiplying.
Oil posts sharp weekly gain as Hormuz blockade holds
Oil posts sharp weekly gain as Hormuz blockade holds
Crude closed Friday with a weekly gain of about 6 percent, with the Strait of Hormuz shut since February. Economists warn Iran's economy is nearing collapse.
Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz US territory
Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz US territory
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States. Tehran rejected the claim.
US readies unprecedented Iran isolation package as crude slips
US readies unprecedented Iran isolation package as crude slips
Washington will unveil measures next week amounting to economic isolation 'like the world has never seen' against Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says. Crude held its decline as a Hormuz deal stayed elusive.
UAE accuses Iran of tanker attacks in Hormuz
UAE accuses Iran of tanker attacks in Hormuz
The UAE accuses Iran of attacking two ADNOC ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening. Tehran says no ship may pass without its permission.
Le MondeFAZSouth China Morning PostJerusalem PostThe American Conservative
Trump claims total control of Hormuz as Iran denies truce talks
Trump claims total control of Hormuz as Iran denies truce talks
Trump said on Wednesday the United States has "total control" of the closed Strait of Hormuz. Tehran denied the same day that talks on extending the ceasefire are under way.
US helicopter disables cargo ship as Hormuz stays shut
US helicopter disables cargo ship as Hormuz stays shut
A US helicopter fired on a Panama-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday to enforce Washington's blockade of Iranian ports. Trump claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump demands Iranian reparations as Hormuz stays shut
Trump demands Iranian reparations as Hormuz stays shut
Donald Trump wants Iran to pay compensation for people killed over five decades. Tehran keeps the Strait of Hormuz shut until its terms are met.
Up to 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf by US-Iran war
Up to 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf by US-Iran war
Up to 20,000 seafarers, mostly Indian and Filipino crews, have been stuck aboard ships in the Gulf since February because the war between the United States and Iran has closed shipping routes, The Guardian reported on Sunday. Crew members describe life on board as being like prison and say none of them knows when they will be able to leave.
Iran installs IRGC veterans as Hormuz stays shut
Iran installs IRGC veterans as Hormuz stays shut
Iran's supreme leader has put two Revolutionary Guard veterans into top security posts while the Strait of Hormuz stays shut. Washington is betting on pressure, not new strikes.
Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US conditions after tanker strike
Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US conditions after tanker strike
Tehran says a deal with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz is close but will not itself reopen the waterway. The UAE blames an Iranian missile for Saturday's strike on an Adnoc tanker.
US says Hormuz reopening deal is close as Iran presses for transit tolls
US says Hormuz reopening deal is close as Iran presses for transit tolls
A US official said on Friday that Washington expects an Iran-Oman agreement to reopen commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within days. Whether Iran may charge passing ships remains unresolved.
Adnoc reports 15 ships hit in Hormuz as Iranian oil exports stall
Adnoc reports 15 ships hit in Hormuz as Iranian oil exports stall
Abu Dhabi's Adnoc said on Friday that missile and drone attacks have hit 15 of its vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and wounding 20. Iranian crude exports from Kharg Island have been at a standstill under the renewed US blockade.
Iran and Oman near Hormuz deal that would bar US and Israeli ships
Iran and Oman near Hormuz deal that would bar US and Israeli ships
Iran said on Wednesday its talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz had reached their final stages. Reports on Friday say the draft would bar US and Israeli vessels and charge hostile states for passage.
Iran says Hormuz route agreed with Oman
Iran says Hormuz route agreed with Oman
Iran announced on Wednesday that it had agreed with Oman on the coordinates of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Bloomberg reports oil held a three-day drop on Thursday.
Thousands of sailors stranded as blockade grips Strait of Hormuz
Thousands of sailors stranded as blockade grips Strait of Hormuz
Thousands of civilian crew members remain stranded on ships at risk of attack by Iran in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and on one vessel sailors have been held by the Iranian navy for more than three months, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. CENTCOM said US forces have redirected 45 vessels and boarded two since the blockade of Iran resumed, according to TASS.
Hormuz reopening talks advance as strait stays closed
Hormuz reopening talks advance as strait stays closed
US, Qatari and Omani officials say a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come within days, with draft language circulating. The waterway was still shut to shipping on Tuesday, day 158 of the US-Iran war.
Ship hit off Oman as Iran strikes US base in Kuwait
Ship hit off Oman as Iran strikes US base in Kuwait
An unidentified projectile struck a cargo vessel about 37 km northeast of Khasab, Oman, overnight into Tuesday. The Jerusalem Post reports that Iran's Revolutionary Guard attacked a US base in Kuwait with drones the same morning.
Tankers reroute around Hormuz as Iran says Oman deal alone will not reopen strait
Tankers reroute around Hormuz as Iran says Oman deal alone will not reopen strait
US Central Command says 35 commercial ships have been rerouted at the blockaded Strait of Hormuz as of Sunday. Iran's Foreign Ministry says a route agreement with Oman alone will not reopen the waterway.
Trump calls talks Iran's 'last chance' as Tehran denies negotiating with Washington
Trump calls talks Iran's 'last chance' as Tehran denies negotiating with Washington
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran are under way and are Tehran's "last chance" before what he called a "decapitation". Iran's foreign ministry denies any contact with Washington and says it is talking only to Oman.
Iran says Hormuz route talks with Oman near completion as US blockade holds
Iran says Hormuz route talks with Oman near completion as US blockade holds
Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday that talks with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages. The US naval blockade of Iran, resumed in mid-July, is still in force.
Trump announces US-Iran talks after calling off strike wave
Trump announces US-Iran talks after calling off strike wave
US President Donald Trump says he cancelled a planned wave of strikes on Iran and that talks with Tehran open on Monday afternoon. Iranian agencies deny any deal on the Strait of Hormuz was reached.
Iran warns Gulf states and threatens retaliation over Hormuz
Iran warns Gulf states and threatens retaliation over Hormuz
Iran's foreign ministry warned Gulf countries not to let the United States or Israel use their territory and said Tehran would invoke its right to legitimate self-defence, Politika reported. Senior Iranian political, military and security officials said any renewed US military action or continued interference in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger retaliation, according to the Tehran Times, and the New York Times reported that Iranians used a brief truce to devise plans with proxies to raise the war's costs for Trump.
Projectile hits LNG tanker at entrance to Strait of Hormuz
Projectile hits LNG tanker at entrance to Strait of Hormuz
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported two incidents involving tankers off Oman on Saturday. One vessel was left inoperative after a projectile struck its engine room.
Trump calls off Iran strike wave, citing outlines of a deal
Trump calls off Iran strike wave, citing outlines of a deal
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had cancelled a planned major attack on Iran, saying Tehran and other Middle Eastern states had agreed the "outlines of a deal". He named two conditions: the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.
Iran declares Hormuz closed after striking escorted tankers
Iran declares Hormuz closed after striking escorted tankers
Iran said on Friday it struck two oil tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort and declared the waterway closed. CENTCOM says the strait remains open and that Iran does not control it.
First tankers move through Hormuz again after Pakistani-brokered deal
First tankers move through Hormuz again after Pakistani-brokered deal
Pakistan secured Iranian agreement for the tanker Al Areesh, idle in the Persian Gulf since early July after loading at Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday morning, TASS reported. Qatar sent its first LNG cargo through the waterway since one of its tankers was attacked more than three weeks ago, and CENTCOM says it has redirected 24 ships since Iran's blockade began.
Iran rejects Omani Hormuz plan as US tightens naval blockade
Iran rejects Omani Hormuz plan as US tightens naval blockade
Tehran has turned down Oman's proposal for joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, ending hopes of a quick diplomatic exit from a war that has disrupted Gulf shipping for months. CENTCOM says it has redirected 20 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded two since resuming its naval blockade of Iranian ports on 14 July, while Washington sanctioned what it calls Iran's Hormuz 'extortion network'. The Revolutionary Guards say they stopped three oil tankers in the strait and retain full control of the waterway.
Iran rejects Omani plan for joint control of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran rejects Omani plan for joint control of the Strait of Hormuz
Oman has put a Gulf-backed proposal to Tehran to manage and reopen the Strait of Hormuz jointly, modelled on the Strait of Malacca with voluntary fees for passing ships. Iran's deputy foreign minister rejected an equal split of the transit routes, demanded one lane entirely under Iranian control plus part of the second, and said the waterway stays closed unless Muscat accepts. US Central Command said it has redirected 18 commercial vessels since resuming its naval blockade of Iran on 14 July.
Iran and Oman report progress in talks on Strait of Hormuz traffic
Iran and Oman report progress in talks on Strait of Hormuz traffic
Iranian and Omani officials concluded two days of high-level talks in Tehran on safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran described as productive, according to Tehran Times and the South China Morning Post. Iran said the progress followed a halt in US air strikes, while Revolutionary Guard vessels stopped ships in the waterway.
UN rights chief urges action for 6,000 sailors stranded in Hormuz
UN rights chief urges action for 6,000 sailors stranded in Hormuz
UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for urgent measures to resolve the situation of thousands of seafarers affected by the war in the Middle East, Folha de S.Paulo reported on Friday. Some 6,000 sailors are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.