Iran rejects Hormuz plan as US intercepts missiles

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Muscat had proposed dividing the Strait of Hormuz transit route equally between Iranian

WASHINGTON: Regional tensions intensified on Wednesday after Iran rejected Oman’s proposal for jointly managed shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States said it intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles allegedly launched towards American forces in the Middle East.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Muscat had proposed dividing the Strait of Hormuz transit route equally between Iranian and Omani territorial waters. However, Tehran instead suggested that shipping passing through Iranian waters should remain under its control, while Oman would oversee only part of the route on its side. He warned that if Oman declined the proposal, the strategic waterway would remain closed.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors and a vital route for global energy exports, making any disruption a significant concern for international trade and regional security.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command announced that its forces had intercepted several ballistic missiles launched by Iran in what Washington described as an attempted surprise attack on US military personnel stationed in the Middle East. Although the exact target was not disclosed, Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had fired missiles at a US military base and a Central Command facility in Jordan, claiming the strikes were retaliation for recent American actions against Iranian interests.

US President Donald Trump said diplomatic contacts with Tehran had shown positive signs but warned that military action could resume if negotiations failed to produce results. Iran, however, denied reports suggesting it was preparing to restart direct talks with Washington.

The conflict has also spilled into neighbouring countries. Jordan confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted five missiles entering its airspace early Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day of aerial threats against the kingdom. No casualties or property damage were reported.

In response to the escalating crisis, Gulf nations intensified diplomatic coordination. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate discussions with his counterparts from Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, with all sides stressing the importance of reducing regional tensions and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The ministers also condemned attacks attributed to Iran and its allied armed groups.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly criticised repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a serious violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi reaffirmed the bloc’s full support for Saudi Arabia and urged stronger regional cooperation to prevent further escalation.

The European Union also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas discussed Gulf tensions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, calling for renewed diplomacy while also raising concerns over Iran’s military support for Russia and the temporary detention of two French diplomats in Tehran.

China appealed for restraint, urging all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue while safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways. Beijing reiterated its support for peaceful solutions and respect for the sovereignty of regional states.

Separately, Iran’s IRGC Navy announced that it had intercepted and halted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessels allegedly ignored official warnings. Iranian authorities did not disclose the ships’ identities or provide further details regarding the alleged violations.

Iran also rejected accusations linking it to projectiles fired at targets inside Saudi Arabia from other countries, insisting that attributing every attack on US interests in the region to Tehran was a serious miscalculation.

The latest developments highlight growing instability across the Gulf, with military confrontations, diplomatic efforts and concerns over maritime security continuing to shape one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.