WorldThreat to Middle East oil tankers reaches highest level since Iran war began
The threat facing oil tankers in the Middle East has reached its highest level since the war involving Iran began. Several vessels have come under attack in the Red Sea. Some tankers have been using the waterway as an alternative route since Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.
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BBC ChineseOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-04 11:43
- US, Iran exchanging peace drafts through intermediaries, Qatari Foreign Ministry says
The United States and Iran are exchanging draft peace documents through intermediaries, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry. Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said the documents “had been prepared on behalf of both governments.” His statement attributes the preparation to the two governments rather than to outside parties. The reported exchange points to diplomatic contact focused on possible peace arrangements between Washington and Tehran.
- Israel sees US-Iran conflict as more advantageous than a deal, portal reports
Israeli authorities reportedly believe that a conflict between the United States and Iran would be more advantageous for Israel than reaching a deal. The assessment comes as Washington is said to be concentrating primarily on restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel’s view therefore contrasts the potential benefits of continued conflict with those of an agreement. The report links that assessment directly to the US focus on reopening maritime traffic through the strait.
- Iran-Oman deal may formalize Tehran’s control of Strait of Hormuz
An agreement between Iran and Oman could formally establish Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report. Vessels entering the Persian Gulf would use a channel controlled by Iran and located close to its coast. Ships leaving the Gulf would instead travel through a channel near Oman. The proposed arrangement would place inbound and outbound maritime traffic along separate routes near the two countries’ shores.
