President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Delegations from the U.S. and Iran entered negotiations in June aimed at a war-ending deal based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries. Those talks broke down as the U.S. and Iran continued to exchange strikes, with the strategic Strait of Hormuz as the primary flashpoint. Trump then said in August that the U.S. would launch a "crushing economic operation" to force Tehran into submission. Oil prices rise after strikes in Saudi Arabia, Strait of Hormuz Global and U.S. oil prices continued to edge higher early on Monday morning, following attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and the targeting of more commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil prices, a benchmark for global trading, were more than $107 per barrel as of Monday morning, up nearly 3%. WTI crude oil, used as the North American benchmark, was nearing $103 per barrel up around 3%. Sep 13, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT Monday meeting between Iran, regional countries postponed, Omani FM says Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X Sunday that a planned meeting between Iran and regional countries has been postponed "in the interests of consensus." The meeting was scheduled to take place Monday in Oman’s southern city of Salalah, where some regional countries were going to be briefed on talks between Iran and Oman regarding arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to earlier reports by Iranian media. "We remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports stability and lasting cooperation in our region," Albusaidi added. -ABC News Somayeh Malekian Sep 13, 2026, 10:44 AM EDT Trump blames global diesel shortages on Ukraine, says Tehran wants a deal President Donald Trump on Sunday said global diesel shortages are not a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, instead blaming Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities and urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia." "This isn't done by the Middle East. This is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine. So we spoke to Mr. Zelenskyy about it. There are plenty of other targets," Trump said to reporters at his golf course in Doonberg, Ireland, during the final day of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open. "Don't hit diesel fuel because that's hurting. That's hurting the world. We don't want him to hit diesel fuel," Trump added of Zelenskyy. Trump also again said the war in Iran will end "right after the midterms," though suggested a conclusion may come sooner. "Gasoline's going to drop like a rock, just like it was just before I got -- I mean, I knew what I was doing. I had to do it," Trump said. "Iran wants to make a deal so badly. They are calling constantly. They want to make a deal. They got to make the right deal. I'm not going to make a deal that's no good," he added. Asked about Monday's planned meeting in Oman between representatives of the Gulf nations and Iran, Trump said, "I don't care. That's up to them, that's fine. They could be happy." "We'll ultimately get out, unless we decide to stay and keep the oil, like Venezuela," Trump said.
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Delegations from the U.S. and Iran entered negotiations in June aimed at a war-ending deal based on…
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Iran has accused Austria of violating its host-country obligations by denying a visa to the head of its Atomic Energy Organization for the IAEA general conference, a claim Austria disputes by citing a UN committee’s decision. While Iranian and Russian diplomats characterized the exclusion as an abuse aimed at undesirable nations, no independent verification confirms the specific rationale behind the visa denial.
Government and Houthi officials reported on Monday that Houthi forces have captured the Hanish archipelago and expanded their control over other Red Sea islands, displacing over 80,000 people in two weeks of fighting. The internationally recognized government stated it is regrouping after significant withdrawals of its allied forces, which observers describe as facing minimal resistance amid ongoing regional tensions and shipping disruptions.
Reports indicate escalating tensions around key maritime chokepoints, with the US military allegedly sinking five oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Iran-aligned Houthis reportedly securing control of Yemen's entire coastline. This claimed territorial expansion has enabled the Houthis to position forces to directly target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while a September 14 diplomatic meeting between the GCC and Iran was reportedly postponed.
These developments suggest the region is approaching a potential new phase of conflict, although specific military outcomes and strategic assessments remain unverified.
Reported attacks on Saudi infrastructure and an Iranian cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified supply concerns following the closure of a key Saudi oil pipeline, with claims from state media and armed groups pending independent verification.
These developments have driven Brent and WTI crude futures up approximately 3% to near $108 and $103 per barrel, respectively, amid ongoing US blockade operations and heightened regional tensions.