Trump says no talks planned with Iran, Tehran says Strait of Hormuz still shut
By Parisa Hafezi and Katharine Jackson DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday no talks were taking place with Iran and none were scheduled, and he insisted that the Strait of Hormuz was open, contradicting an earlier Iranian assertion that the critical waterway remained shut to shipping.
Tuesday evening saw heightened tensions along the Strait of Hormuz, with threats from US President Donald Trump and conflicting positions from Washington and Tehran. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen until the US meets Iran's demands, including lifting the naval blockade, removing oil sanctions, and unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad. Ghalibaf is set to visit Iraq on Wednesday for talks.
In the United Arab Emirates, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with US President Donald Trump via phone, discussing cooperation and ways to strengthen ties. Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interfered with a US deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. He also called for Iran to surrender, posting a map on social media labeling the strategic waterway as "New US Territory."
A vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz reported a projectile strike in its engine room, causing damage and leaving one crew member injured. The remaining crew members were assisted by the Omani Coast Guard. Iran claimed responsibility for the incident.
The conflict also impacted travel in the region. Airlines adjusted their schedules, with several cancellations and delays reported. Emirates resumed one daily Bahrain service, while Etihad Airways continued selected Bahrain and Kuwait services but canceled three pairs of Bahrain flights through August 21. Air Arabia canceled several UAE-Kuwait and UAE-Bahrain flights, while flydubai operated as scheduled for Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Several international airlines extended their Dubai and regional flight suspensions.
UAE residents were advised to stay updated through official sources and airline advisories for any changes to their travel plans.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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