Middle East Tensions: Iran Leads Diplomatic Push Amid Naval Incidents

Diplomatic activity accelerated across the Middle East on Thursday as leaders attempted to manage the risk of renewed conflict. Iran’s foreign minister engaged in a series of phone conversations with counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. These discussions focused on securing maritime routes and de-escalating tensions in the region.

The safety of the Strait of Hormuz remained a central concern for regional partners. According to statements from the Saudi and Qatari foreign ministries, officials discussed improving security and coordinating efforts to maintain freedom of navigation. The Omani foreign ministry confirmed that the protection of passages through the strait was a primary topic during its call with Tehran.

High-level meetings also took place in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The Kremlin released images showing that Yuri Ushakov, a foreign affairs adviser, and Igor Kostyukov, the chief of Russian military intelligence, attended the session. No specific details regarding the agenda were provided by the Russian leadership.

In Washington, President Donald Trump spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The prime minister’s office stated that the conversation covered the evolving regional situation and prospects for the next phase of stability. Al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraqi territory should not be used to launch attacks against neighbors and stressed the need for peaceful solutions.

Political developments in Israel are approaching a decisive moment. President Isaac Herzog indicated he will announce on Sunday which political leader receives the first opportunity to form a new coalition government. On Thursday, he completed the final day of meetings with party representatives to gather their recommendations. Herzog described the discussions as open and probing, noting he asked difficult questions to encourage new approaches.

The recommendation process revealed a split in the political landscape. The United Arab List and the Joint List, which groups three major Arab parties, both recommended that former military chief Gadi Eisenkot be tasked with forming the government. Netanyahu’s Likud party supported the current prime minister, while two additional factions backed Eisenkot. The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism declined to issue a recommendation.

Iranian state television reported that three vessels struck naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The report identified the ships as two oil tankers and a towboat, all of which caught fire. The broadcast did not specify the flags of the vessels or provide details on casualties. The claim has not been independently verified by international monitors.

The state TV channel also quoted the Revolutionary Guard, which said it seized two U.S. drones in the airspace over the strait. Tehran initially closed the strait in February following attacks by the U.S. and Israel that launched the current war. The Guard has a history of making similar statements regarding targeted vessels in the area.

In Jordan, authorities described a terrorist act in the capital Amman. An assailant attacked and killed a security officer near the Sri Lankan Embassy. The Public Security Directorate said the officer was assaulted with a sharp object. A second officer intervened when the suspect attempted to seize a weapon, and both the assailant and the second officer were injured before the suspect was arrested.

Three Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. Health officials reported that Israeli gunfire killed a boy in Bureij and a woman in Khan Younis. An Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah resulted in one death. The Israeli military acknowledged the strike in Deir al-Balah but had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the other incidents.