An Iranian missile targeted a United Arab Emirates ship in the Strait of Hormuz, Emirati authorities confirmed Saturday, as Tehran issued new, maximalist demands for the crucial waterway's reopening. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a commander in the Revolutionary Guard, declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States “corrects its behavior.” The statement, published by Iran’s state broadcaster, demanded the U.S. never again threaten Iran and permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. Tehran further insisted the U.S. lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, withdraw its military from the area, “completely compensate” Iran for war damage, lift sanctions, and “unconditionally” release frozen assets.
The attack on the ADNOC oil and gas company vessel occurred early Saturday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Emirati authorities stated Iran fired the missile as part of ongoing attacks on commercial shipping. ADNOC reported no casualties from this specific incident, but confirmed over a dozen of its vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones since the United States and Israel launched the war on Iran in February this year. These previous attacks have resulted in one crew member killed and 20 others wounded. The U.S. has maintained that an acceptable deal on the strait must precede any end to the blockade. An interim deal signed in June this year outlined a schedule to end sanctions and a compensation plan as part of a final agreement, with negotiations addressing frozen assets. The 60-day negotiation period for a final deal is set to conclude in just over a week, though an extension remains possible.
The Jihadist Axis
Yemen’s military launched attacks against the country’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Col. Majed al-Nazili, spokesperson for Yemen’s military, confirmed these strikes targeted Houthi “sites and capabilities” across multiple front lines. These actions were a direct response to the rebels’ recent strikes in central and eastern Yemen. The escalating conflict between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-supported coalition, threatens to reignite Yemen’s civil war, which saw a truce four years ago. Iran has also claimed it was nearing a separate agreement with Oman to manage the strait, which lies between the two nations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated earlier Saturday that they were close to a navigation agreement, “specifically the determination of a transit route.” He added that the waterway’s reopening depended on other conditions. Oman, acting as a mediator, confirmed ongoing discussions in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” but also condemned attacks on ships in the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global supplies of oil and natural gas, long considered an international waterway before the current conflict.
Western Allies Under Threat
In Turkey, a draft law aimed at advancing a peace effort with the country’s Kurdish insurgents passed its initial parliamentary hurdle. A committee approved the measure, which is expected to gain general assembly approval next week. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which Turkey and its Western allies consider a terrorist organization, declared its decision to disarm and disband one year ago. This peace initiative seeks to end a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people since it began decades ago. The draft legislation outlines procedures for the group’s disarmament and the rehabilitation of some PKK members. These measures would only take effect once Turkey’s National Security Council verifies the group has disbanded and surrendered all weapons.