Jon Gambrell

Three commercial tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions during ongoing efforts to end the US‑Iran war and restore safe shipping routes. The US revoked a temporary licence allowing Iranian oil sales, citing Iran’s actions in the waterway. The attacks occurred near Oman and the UAE, with one Qatari LNG tanker igniting after being hit. Qatar condemned the assault and held Iran responsible. The incidents threaten negotiations aimed at reopening the strait and easing global energy strain, while Iran continues funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death disrupted talks.

Two vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz were hit by projectiles, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker that caught fire near Oman, amid escalating tensions over control of shipping routes. Iran is suspected of carrying out the attacks after warning that only its approved paths through the strait are safe. Qatar condemned the strike and held Iran legally responsible. The incident comes as US–Iran negotiations remain stalled following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose funeral has drawn massive crowds. The US warned Iran to make progress on a deal aimed at reopening the strait and resolving nuclear disputes. Maritime authorities reported no injuries and said investigations were ongoing as shipping traffic continues despite heightened risks.

A performer at the funeral of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the death of US President Donald Trump, reflecting heightened hostility amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations tied to the wider war. Massive crowds attended the ceremony, which featured prominent Iranian political and military figures, though new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was absent due to reported injuries. The funeral occurs as Iran leverages control of the Strait of Hormuz in stalled talks with the US. The article highlights continued Iranian threats toward Trump following the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani and notes Israel’s threats against Mojtaba Khamenei as regional tensions remain high.

Funeral ceremonies began in Tehran for Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a February air strike that ignited war with the US and Israel. Mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla as authorities displayed his casket and those of his family members. Large crowds are expected as Iran seeks to bolster internal support while negotiating with the US over ending the conflict. Anti-American chants surfaced amid heightened tensions, with Donald Trump commenting from the US. Security measures tightened across Iran as threats against Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, prompted warnings to the US and Israel.

The United States and Iran paused reciprocal strikes after escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, yet remained divided over whether direct talks would occur in Qatar. Washington claimed Iran requested a meeting, while Tehran denied any such agreement and insisted its delegation would discuss interim deal terms only with mediators. The fragile agreement requires Iran to dilute enriched uranium and allows sanctions relief as both sides work toward a broader settlement. Regional actors including Qatar, Oman, Pakistan and France coordinated diplomatic efforts, with Qatar preparing to release six billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets. Disputes continued over demining operations and future navigation rules as both sides attempted to maintain a temporary halt in hostilities.