politics
Iran denies any direct talks with U.S. on opening Strait of Hormuz as Houthis claim attack on Saudi refinery
Iran's foreign minister reportedly said his country is not engaging in talks with the U.S., but added: "Messages are being exchanged through intermediaries."
TL;DR
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denies direct talks with the U.S. regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating only messages are exchanged through intermediaries.
- Oman is acting as a key intermediary in discussions between Iran and the U.S., particularly concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has laid out sweeping demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting sanctions and withdrawing U.S. forces.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.
- Oil prices saw fluctuations, with Brent crude futures closing at $83.55 a barrel and U.S. WTI at $78.18 per barrel on Friday, despite a weekly price drop.