Talks in Oman show signs of strain amid U.S.–Iran tensions

By Nathan Morley

Negotiations are scheduled for Saturday in Oman, though signs suggest the process may be faltering.

U.S. media report that Tehran privately told advisers to President Donald Trump the recent attacks on ships were a mistake, blaming a rogue internal faction. 

Reports suggest Mr Trump said both sides agreed to continue talks despite fighting this week over the Strait of Hormuz, which the White House viewed as a cease-fire violation.

The United States and Iran signed a cease-fire agreement in June that included Iran’s pledge to allow safe passage for commercial vessels.

Early Saturday, Trump responded to reports that Iran planned to assassinate him, saying the U.S. military would “completely decimate and destroy all areas” of the country in retaliation.

West Bank

Elsewhere in the region, Israeli military operations in the West Bank have led to more displacement and tighter restrictions. 

The United Nations said humanitarian partners report continued demolitions, settlement expansion and settler violence.

Since the start of the month, 67 people have been displaced and two dozen structures demolished, including two funded by donors to assist vulnerable residents.

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