Sunday 13 September 2026 07:30 UTC
Hormuz Ship Attacks Deepen Strain on Oman Talks
In the 24 hours ending 13 September at 07:30 UTC, attacks continued near the Strait of Hormuz as diplomacy faced new problems.
An unknown projectile struck a commercial ship crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Another attack hit an Iranian commercial vessel near Hengam and Qeshm islands. One person died, and three suffered injuries.
Monday’s Iran-Gulf meeting in Oman appeared unlikely to produce a signed Hormuz agreement. Iran demanded the right to charge transit fees, but Oman opposed this. Bahrain said it would not attend.
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The US military said its blockade had redirected 100 commercial ships. American forces had boarded two ships and disabled three others for failing to follow orders.
Iran and the United Arab Emirates backed a BRICS declaration calling for maximum restraint. Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, met Abu Dhabi’s crown prince in New Delhi. This was their highest-level meeting since the war began.
Xi Jinping, China’s president, warned against a wider Middle East war. BRICS members also agreed to condemn unilateral military action without naming any country.
Donald Trump, the US president, said the war with Iran would end soon. He blamed Iran for the Saudi pipeline attack but offered no evidence. Iran said talks with Washington required the United States to meet Tehran’s conditions first.
Trump said the Houthis had asked Washington not to intervene in Yemen. He said they wanted to avoid fighting America and allowed most ships through. Saudi vessels remained blocked.
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Iraq agreed to investigate possible drone launchers along its border with Iran. The inquiry follows the attack that shut Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline.
Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s Slavyansk oil refinery and started a fire. Another Ukrainian attack set fuel tanks ablaze at the Taganrog airbase.
Britain’s Reform UK party received its second £36 million donation in two days. A cryptocurrency investor matched the previous record donation.
Mexican police found a secret cryptocurrency-mining operation in Puebla. Investigators suspect it laundered cartel money and stole electricity. Police found 300 graphics processors and extensive electrical equipment.