26.07.2026 16:00
Iranian media reported that an explosion occurred on an oil tanker that hit a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. It was claimed that the oil tanker struck a mine in the area after deviating from the Hormuz route designated by Tehran, resulting in an explosion.
According to the Iranian Mehr News Agency, a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz struck a mine in the area after deviating from Tehran's designated Hormuz route, resulting in an explosion.
US HAD SAID "POSSIBLE," IRAN HAD NOT CONFIRMED
As tensions between Iran and the US continue in the Middle East, Iranian media reported an explosion on an oil tanker that struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. The US had stated that the strait might be mined but expressed that there was no definitive evidence. Iran had not confirmed laying naval mines in the area.
LATEST SITUATION IN THE REGION
Following claims that US President Trump ordered the military "not to launch new attacks on Iran," contacts between Washington and Tehran are said to have intensified.
Sources reported that both sides responded to a proposal presented by mediating countries Pakistan and Qatar, which called on Washington and Tehran to return to their positions before the recent clashes to enable a lasting ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks. The sources suggested both sides were positively inclined toward dialogue and diplomacy to end the recent hostilities.
It was stated that the pause in attacks has increased hopes for the resumption of interrupted negotiations.
Sources noted that the ceasefire around the Strait of Hormuz remains fragile, with a high likelihood of violation or renewed conflict. They added that mediators are in constant communication with both sides to consolidate the priority "interim process" and reduce tension.
Two informed sources, speaking to the Axios news site on condition of anonymity, claimed yesterday that Trump, while not approving further attack plans against Iran on Friday, instructed the military not to conduct new airstrikes on the country.
The sources also claimed that the US military continues "to plan for a possible return to large-scale combat operations."
Trump's failure to approve new attack orders against Iran coincided roughly with the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran for a meeting on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
WHEN DID THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS END?
To end the war sparked by US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Washington and Tehran signed the Islamabad Accord on June 14, which stipulated a 60-day negotiation period for a final agreement.
However, the US military launched new attacks against Iran on July 8, and Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in neighboring countries.