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TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework for establishing a temporary maritime corridor through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in a move aimed at restoring safer shipping and reducing risks in one of the world’s most important waterways. The understanding emerged during talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in Tehran on Tuesday. The two sides discussed measures to resume safe navigation while protecting the sovereignty and maritime rights of both countries. According to a joint statement, the proposed framework includes the creation of a joint temporary navigational corridor and a coordinated project to clear possible mines from the waterway. The initiative is intended to provide a practical mechanism for ships to move through the strait while longer-term arrangements are negotiated. The Strait of Hormuz has remained heavily disrupted since the outbreak of the wider Iran war in February. Before the conflict, the waterway handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets and international shipping. The latest agreement, however, is being viewed as an interim measure rather than a final settlement. Iranian and Omani officials are expected to continue technical discussions on establishing a permanent navigational corridor, managing vessel traffic and sharing information about maritime movements. The two countries also intend to examine future arrangements for administering the strait and providing navigation and security services. They have stressed that any long-term mechanism should take into account the rights and interests of other Gulf states bordering the waterway. Iranian officials have also indicated that further technical negotiations could continue over the coming weeks. The proposed arrangement is particularly significant because the strait connects the energy-rich Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. Araghchi said discussions with regional partners had focused on diplomatic and regional solutions, while emphasizing continued technical-level contacts over navigation and the future management of the waterway. For Oman, which has traditionally played a mediating role in regional disputes, the initiative offers another opportunity to promote dialogue and maritime stability. For Iran, reopening a controlled shipping route could ease economic pressure while maintaining its position on sovereignty and security in the strait. The success of the temporary corridor will ultimately depend on security conditions, mine-clearing efforts and agreement over how commercial vessels will be guided. Still, the latest Iran-Oman talks provide a potentially important opening for restoring maritime traffic and creating a pathway toward a more permanent solution.

LONDON: Hackers linked to the Iranian regime reportedly forced a small British power-generating facility to shut down for four days last month in what could be the first known successful cyberattack of its kind against a UK energy site. The incident, reported by The Telegraph, has raised fresh concerns about the ability of state-linked cyber groups to move beyond digital intrusion and cause disruption to physical infrastructure. However, British officials stressed that the affected facility was small and that the wider electricity system was never at risk. The identity and location of the facility have not been disclosed for security reasons. According to reports, staff spent several days working to restore the plant and return its systems to normal operation. The attack did not cause any significant impact on Britain’s overall electricity generation or supply. A government source described the facility as extremely small compared with the capacity of the national grid and said it did not fall within the category of major generators required to report certain cyber incidents. Despite the limited disruption, the incident has attracted attention because of what it demonstrates about the evolving cyber threat. If confirmed, it would represent a significant step for hackers associated with Iran, showing that they were able to penetrate an energy facility and temporarily interrupt its operations. The precise method used to gain access to the plant has not been publicly disclosed. Nor has the British government formally attributed the attack to a specific Iranian hacking group. The National Cyber Security Centre, which works with organisations to protect critical infrastructure, declined to comment on the individual incident. British authorities have nevertheless taken the incident seriously. Government officials reportedly briefed senior executives at power companies and provided advice on how operators should respond to the growing threat of cyberattacks. The incident comes amid heightened concern in Western countries over cyber operations linked to Iran, Russia, China and North Korea. British cybersecurity officials have repeatedly warned organisations to strengthen their defences as geopolitical tensions increase. The attack also reportedly occurred around the same period as cyber incidents targeting water infrastructure in several US states, although the relationship between the incidents has not been established publicly. For Britain’s energy sector, the episode serves as a warning even though the national grid remained unaffected. Smaller generators and industrial facilities can still provide potential entry points for attackers seeking to test their capabilities. The immediate disruption may have been limited, but the incident has intensified scrutiny of Britain’s energy cybersecurity. Authorities now face the challenge of ensuring that a temporary shutdown at a small facility does not become a blueprint for attacks against larger and more strategically important infrastructure.

WASHINGTON: The United States may find it difficult to economically isolate Iran completely unless China cooperates with Washington, according to a New York Times analysis, which highlights Beijing’s growing role in Iran’s oil exports and trade. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of its crude oil, giving Beijing considerable influence over the effectiveness of any US campaign aimed at cutting Tehran’s access to international revenue. According to figures cited in the analysis, China and Iran conducted around $41.2 billion in trade in 2025, while Chinese buyers imported approximately $31.2bn worth of Iranian crude during the same year. At times, Chinese customers have accounted for as much as 90 per cent of Iran’s total oil exports. That dependence creates a significant challenge for Washington. The United States can impose sanctions on Iranian banks, companies, oil traders and vessels, but cutting off those channels may not be enough if Chinese businesses continue buying Iranian crude. A particularly important role is played by China’s small independent refineries, commonly known as “teapots”. These private operators have relatively limited exposure to the global financial system, potentially making them less vulnerable to traditional US sanctions. The arrangement has allowed Iran to maintain an important source of revenue despite years of American restrictions. Continued Chinese purchases could therefore provide Tehran with the financial breathing room needed to withstand additional economic pressure. But Beijing has its own economic leverage over Washington. The New York Times analysis noted that China could potentially restrict exports of critical minerals needed by American technology and defence industries. Beijing has previously used restrictions on strategic minerals during periods of trade tension with the United States, demonstrating the potential economic cost of confrontation. That creates a difficult calculation for Washington. Increasing pressure on Iran could put the United States in a position where it also has to confront China, potentially widening an already complicated economic rivalry. The geopolitical equation is further complicated by developments in the Middle East. The analysis pointed to US military activity in the region and the movement of some American military assets from the Pacific. Chinese observers have interpreted such moves as potentially creating vulnerabilities in America’s strategic position in Asia. For Washington, the central question is therefore not simply how many sanctions can be imposed on Tehran. It is whether those measures can succeed while Iran retains access to one of its most important economic partners. If China continues purchasing Iranian oil and maintaining commercial ties with Tehran, Iran is unlikely to become completely isolated economically. The analysis suggests that Beijing’s decisions could ultimately determine how far the US pressure campaign can go — and whether Washington can tighten the economic screws on Tehran without opening another front in its increasingly complex relationship with China.

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is facing a difficult economic and military situation but has remained resilient, arguing that national unity prevented what he described as an attempt by Iran’s enemies to push the country towards a Venezuela-like crisis. Speaking at a ceremony, Pezeshkian said Iran was operating under what he called illegal wartime conditions while continuing efforts to provide services and support to its people. The president portrayed the country as facing simultaneous economic and security challenges, but said the Iranian public had remained united despite the pressure. According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s opponents wanted to see the country weakened and destabilised. He argued that the unity of the Iranian people had instead helped Iran emerge as a stronger force. “Today, we are in a state of economic and military war,” Pezeshkian said, while stressing that the government was continuing to work for citizens despite the difficult circumstances. His comments came as Tehran has faced intense pressure over its economic situation and wider confrontation with the United States and its allies. Pezeshkian said Iran’s adversaries had intended to turn the country into “Venezuela”, apparently referring to the severe economic and political difficulties that have affected Venezuela over the past decade. He claimed that the plan had failed because Iranians had maintained a united position in the face of the challenges. The president also referred to a memorandum of understanding reached amid the difficult circumstances. He said the agreement had been shaped by the country’s determination to protect its interests while seeking a way forward through diplomacy. According to Pezeshkian, experts had described the memorandum as being based on “prudence, dignity and wisdom”. He argued that those criticising the agreement did not fully understand the circumstances surrounding it. The remarks suggest that Iran’s leadership is attempting to present the agreement as a strategic decision rather than a concession under pressure. Pezeshkian’s comments also come against the backdrop of signals that Tehran may be seeking a way to end its confrontation with Washington from a position it considers strong. Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that any diplomatic arrangement must protect the country’s national interests and sovereignty. For Pezeshkian, domestic unity remains central to navigating the crisis. He argued that despite economic hardship and military pressure, the country had avoided the collapse that its opponents allegedly expected. The president’s message was therefore aimed not only at Iran’s external rivals but also at domestic critics of the memorandum. As pressure on Iran continues, Tehran faces the difficult task of managing economic challenges while maintaining political cohesion and determining whether diplomacy can reduce tensions. Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underline his argument that Iran’s resilience, rather than isolation, will shape the next phase of the country’s confrontation with its adversaries.

JERUSALEM: An Israeli chief rabbi has sparked widespread controversy after reportedly denying the existence of the Palestinian people and asserting that Gaza and the occupied West Bank belong exclusively to Jews. Chief Rabbi David Yosef was quoted as saying that there was no Palestinian nation in the past and that Palestinians have no rights to the land. His reported remarks have drawn attention amid the continuing conflict in Gaza and growing international concern over the humanitarian situation. Yosef also reportedly claimed that Gaza and cities in the West Bank belong to Jews and suggested that Gaza would eventually be destroyed and populated by Jewish people. The comments come as Israeli military operations in Gaza continue, with Palestinian officials reporting further deaths and injuries. The conflict has caused widespread destruction, displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. The remarks have also renewed scrutiny of developments in the occupied West Bank, where tensions between Palestinians and Israeli settlers remain high. According to reports, Palestinian residents and farmers in areas including Hebron have faced incidents involving Israeli settlers. One reported incident involved a Palestinian farmer’s donkey being tied to a vehicle and dragged, resulting in the animal’s death. The latest statements have added to concerns over rhetoric surrounding the future of Palestinian territories. Palestinian leaders and rights advocates have long opposed attempts to deny Palestinian national identity or rights, while the international community continues to debate the political future of Gaza and the West Bank. The comments also come as diplomatic efforts over the conflict remain under intense scrutiny. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has made the question of civilian protection and the future governance of the territory increasingly urgent. For Palestinians, statements denying their existence or connection to their homeland are particularly sensitive, coming after decades of conflict, displacement and political uncertainty. The controversy surrounding Yosef’s remarks is therefore likely to fuel further debate over Palestinian rights, Israeli settlement policies and the prospects for a lasting political settlement in the region.

TEHRAN: Iran has executed a man accused of supporting the United States and Israel during the country’s January anti-government protests, adding to growing international concern over Tehran’s use of capital punishment against people linked to the unrest. Iranian judicial authorities identified the man as Majid Adineh, saying he was arrested during the protests and accused of involvement in activities carried out in support of groups considered hostile to Iran. According to the judiciary, Adineh was accused of deliberately committing arson, participating in gatherings aimed at undermining national security and conspiring against the state. Authorities also alleged that he had worked with opposition groups linked to the United States and Israel. Iran’s judiciary said the Revolutionary Court in Karaj convicted him after considering documents, evidence and statements attributed to the defendant. The court also ordered the confiscation of his property. The allegations could not be independently verified, and the account published by Iranian authorities did not include comments from Adineh’s lawyer or family. The execution comes amid an increasingly severe crackdown following nationwide protests that began in late December and expanded across Iran in January. The demonstrations were initially fuelled by economic grievances but quickly developed into broader anti-government protests. Iranian authorities have repeatedly described some protesters as agents or operatives working for foreign enemies, while rights organisations have challenged the fairness of several cases brought against demonstrators. The latest execution also follows a broader increase in executions connected to the unrest. The UN human rights chief said earlier this month that Iran had executed at least 56 people on national-security-related charges since March 19, including 27 people linked to the anti-government protests. Human rights organisations have warned that dozens of other protesters remain at risk of execution. Amnesty International said in July that at least 60 people, including some who were children when arrested, were at risk after receiving death sentences connected to the protests. The UN’s Iran fact-finding mission has also urged Tehran to halt executions linked to the protests, expressing concern over accelerated proceedings and allegations surrounding the fairness of trials. Iran, however, maintains that its courts are dealing with serious national-security offences and that capital punishment is lawful. The executions have intensified debate over the government’s response to dissent. While officials portray the cases as necessary measures against threats to national security, rights groups argue that protesters and political dissidents are being subjected to harsh sentences after proceedings that fail to meet international fair-trial standards. With further cases reportedly moving through Iran’s Revolutionary Courts, the execution of Adineh is likely to renew scrutiny of Tehran’s treatment of those accused of involvement in the January protests.

DAMASCUS: Tensions in the region rose again after an Israeli drone strike near the Syrian capital Damascus injured several people, prompting Kuwait to strongly condemn the attack and call for international action to prevent further Israeli operations on Syrian territory. The strike reportedly targeted a civilian vehicle near a village southwest of Damascus. Several people were injured in the attack, according to reports, although the full extent of the casualties was not immediately clear. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as repeated Israeli aggression against Syrian territory and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities and work to stop further attacks. In a statement, the ministry said the targeting of a civilian vehicle had resulted in injuries among civilians. Kuwait called for an effective international response to what it described as continuing violations of Syria’s sovereignty. The incident is particularly significant because it marks the second Israeli attack in Syria within a week, raising concerns that the cycle of strikes could further aggravate tensions in an already volatile region. Israel, however, defended the latest operation. Israeli officials said the strike targeted what they described as “terrorists” and was carried out in response to an immediate threat faced by Israeli troops. The competing accounts highlight the broader security dispute surrounding Israel’s military operations in Syria. Israel has repeatedly said that its forces act to prevent threats from armed groups and to protect Israeli personnel and territory. Syrian and Arab officials, meanwhile, have frequently condemned such operations as violations of Syrian sovereignty. The latest strike comes at a time when the wider Middle East remains under intense pressure from overlapping conflicts and security crises. Any further escalation inside Syria could complicate efforts to maintain regional stability and increase diplomatic pressure on neighbouring countries. Kuwait’s appeal to the UN Security Council reflects growing calls from Arab states for greater international scrutiny of military operations on Syrian soil. The Kuwaiti ministry urged global powers to take concrete steps rather than allowing repeated attacks to continue unchecked. For residents near Damascus, the latest incident adds to concerns over the possibility of renewed violence. Although the immediate strike caused injuries rather than a large-scale loss of life, the frequency of military operations has raised fears that a wider confrontation could develop. With Israel maintaining that its actions are necessary for security and Arab governments calling for an end to attacks, Syria remains caught at the centre of a tense regional confrontation. The latest strike could therefore become another flashpoint in an increasingly fragile security environment.