Iran rejects U.S. stance on Hormuz as Trump weighs strikes over Riyadh attacks

Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Sunday after Iran’s top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, criticized Washington’s response to Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. President, Donald Trump, is now contemplating military strikes against Tehran in response to deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia’s main international airport.

Iran has suspended responses through Qatari intermediaries until the U.S. clarifies the remaining conditions in Iran’s seven-condition proposal. Rezaei stated that while some of Tehran’s conditions were accepted, others remained unclear, and the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to U.S. traffic until Tehran’s terms are fully met.

The attacks at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in 12 deaths and 309 injuries, have sparked an escalating security crisis. An unidentified projectile struck Terminal 4, and cruise missiles were intercepted, though damage assessments are ongoing. Airport personnel are under remote work orders, and international businesses have withdrawn from upcoming energy conferences in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia blamed Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the attack and vowed a firm military response. President Trump indicated that the U.S. could participate in retaliatory strikes against the Houthis and reconsider direct military action against Iran, despite previously avoiding further escalation prior to the November U.S. midterm elections. Trump expressed his intention to speak directly with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.