Diplomatic moves, military claims and shipping threats dominate latest developments
WASHINGTON: Tensions across the Middle East continued to rise on Thursday as the United States, Iran and regional actors issued fresh warnings, reported new military developments and announced diplomatic initiatives amid the expanding conflict.
US President Donald Trump said a proposed civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia would remain conditional on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords. He added that the deal would apply only to civilian, non-enriched nuclear activities. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington’s primary objective remains a “denuclearised Iran” and urged Tehran to return to negotiations.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei warned US service members against carrying out what he described as unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, arguing that such actions could violate international law.
Military claims and regional alerts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed attacks on US-linked military assets in Jordan and Kuwait, while Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted several missiles and drones without reporting casualties. Bahraini authorities also activated warning sirens after citing a potential security threat.
Separately, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Saudi authorities confirmed damage to one vessel but did not verify all aspects of the Houthi statement.
The United States also issued a global security advisory urging Americans to exercise increased caution because of heightened regional tensions. US agencies additionally warned organisations of potential Iranian-affiliated cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Economic concerns intensify
Oman said it is coordinating with Saudi Arabia, regional parties and the United Nations to revive Yemen’s political roadmap while calling for restraint in the Red Sea.
Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme warned that Bangladesh could face fertiliser shortages because of disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping remains under pressure.
Oil prices extended recent gains as markets reacted to the continued military escalation and maritime security concerns.
Many battlefield claims made by the parties, including reports of strikes and military losses, have not been independently verified. Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continue even as military operations and competing narratives persist across the region.
