Where things stand
• Hormuz deal: Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s deputy foreign minister said. The agreement would not automatically reopen the waterway, he warned. Iran has also denied any direct negotiations with the US.
• In Saudi Arabia: The kingdom is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthi rebels, a Saudi official told CNN, as the Middle East conflict threatens to broaden in the region. Earlier, the Yemeni militant group said it carried out a “large-scale” military operation against Saudi troops.
• Weapons supply: President Donald Trump has privately complained that reports of the Pentagon’s dwindling munitions stockpile make the US appear weak in negotiations, senior US officials said. Publicly, he has claimed the US has “massive amounts” of munitions.
Trump's stop and start rhetoric on the Iran war
Over the last six months, President Donald Trump has issued several severe threats against Iran, but he often dials them back, as negotiations drag on.
Over the last six months, President Trump has issued several severe threats against Iran, but he often dials them back, as negotiations drag on.
Trump pushes back on depleted munitions stockpile claims. Catch up here
Fighting in the Middle East continues, and according to US President Donald Trump, the United States has weapons to continue the war with Iran.
Trump claimed Thursday that the US has “massive amounts” of munitions, following reports from various media, including CNN, on the Pentagon’s depleted stockpile. However, he did acknowledge certain munitions are in “tighter” supply after months of the war.
The president also said today he’s “extremely happy” with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, pushing back on reporting that he’s upset with him over munitions shortages.
Catch up on other headlines here:
- Talks between Israel and Lebanon: The now-concluded talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome “were productive on the technical and expert levels,” a US State Department spokesperson said. The three days of US-mediated technical discussions were set against the backdrop of renewed Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
- Drafted bill: Iranian lawmakers drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. The bill — currently under review by the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission — is an initiative separate from talks with Oman on commercial shipping through the waterway.
- Comments from Iran: Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator accused Trump of “theater diplomacy” on Thursday as Washington and Tehran gave sharply conflicting accounts of whether talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were happening. The comments were an apparent response to Trump, who has repeatedly said negotiations are underway.
- Strait traffic: MarineTraffic data shows at least seven commercial ships passed through the strait over the last 24 hours as Iranian and Omani officials near a framework for partially reopening the waterway. Six vessels moved into the Persian Gulf — five cargo ships and one tanker — while one cargo ship exited into the Gulf of Oman.
- Developments on the ground: Saudi Arabia is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis, a Saudi official told CNN, as the Middle East conflict threatens to continue to broaden in the region.
CNN’s Aileen Graef, Jennifer Hansler, Aida Karimi, Hira Humayun, Alessandra Freitas, Avery Schmitz, Kevin Liptak and Nic Robertson contributed reporting.
Saudi Arabia bracing for attacks by Iraqi militias working with Houthis, official says
Saudi Arabia is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” by Iraqi militias working with Iran-backed Houthis, a Saudi official told CNN, as the Middle East conflict threatens to continue to broaden in the region.
The official cited “multiple intelligence reports” from Saudi Arabia and regional countries that the Iraqi militias “in coordination with the Houthis” are planning to attack the Gulf nation “in the very near future” under the guidance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The official expressed alarm, saying that the reports come as Saudi Arabia is encouraging de-escalation, and when negotiations seem to be heading in the right direction.
“Saudi Arabia will take all necessary measures to deal with any aggression,” the official said.
News of the anticipated attacks comes ahead of a joint Turkish-Saudi-Pakistani summit in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, on Friday, where a joint defense agreement is expected to be declared, according to regional sources.
The reports of impending attacks come a day after Houthis claimed to attack a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, another key waterway. In the past few weeks Saudi Arabia has come under missile attacks from the Houthis in Yemen and drone attacks from pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
Trump acknowledges some weapons supplies are "tighter"
President Donald Trump acknowledged certain munitions are in “tighter” supply after months of war with Iran, but insisted the United States had other, less advanced types of weapons to continue fighting if necessary.
He also said replenishing weapons stocks is critical in case another conflict arises.
“We have unlimited, virtual unlimited supply. We have others where it’s a little bit tighter,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Thursday when asked about the administration’s request to Congress for additional weapons funding.
He said there are ample supplies of less-advanced weapons as defense contractors ramp up production of Patriot missile interceptors and Tomahawk missiles.
“We have certain types of munitions which are very — they may not be as accurate,” he said. “They may not be, you know, they’re not as elite.”
“We have elite, too, but we’re watching that very closely,” he went on. “But we have certain types which are very powerful and very good, and we have an unlimited supply, and so we’re in great shape.”
“We have to have more. We have other things maybe come up, maybe come up, and maybe don’t come up,” he concluded. “Hopefully, nothing else does come up. But we’re in very good shape. We have literally massive amounts of ammunition.”
Shipping through Middle East chokepoints remains depressed
MarineTraffic data shows at least seven commercial ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours as Iranian and Omani officials near a framework for partially reopening the waterway.
Six vessels moved into the Persian Gulf — five cargo ships and one tanker — while one cargo ship exited into the Gulf of Oman.
Farther west, at least 30 commercial ships transited the Bab al-Mandeb strait over the same period. Twenty vessels entered the Red Sea — 13 cargo ships and seven tankers — while 10 left into the Gulf of Aden, consisting of eight cargo ships and two tankers.
These muted numbers come as Iran and Oman seek an agreement on the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, which could establish agreed shipping lanes and protections for commercial operations.
GPS interference remains a challenge to regional shipping, making it more complicated for navigators to pass through the channels.
Iran's top negotiator accuses Trump of "theater diplomacy" amid disputed US-Iran talks
Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator accused US President Donald Trump of “theater diplomacy” on Thursday as Washington and Tehran gave sharply conflicting accounts of whether talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were taking place.
“‘Massive attack coming… wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media.
Ghalibaf’s comments were an apparent response to Trump, who has repeatedly said negotiations with Iran are underway, telling Fox News on Tuesday: “They had an all-day negotiation today, and it looks like things are very good.” Tehran has denied any US-Iran talks are taking place or planned, But Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said mediators are working to de-escalate tensions and pass messages between the two sides.
Trump said over the weekend that he had called off what he described as the biggest US attack on another country since World War II because Iran wanted to negotiate. He has warned Tehran it would be hit “really hard” if a deal was not reached.
Ghalibaf said the United States’ use of “bullying,” broken promises and what he called fake news as leverage was a “failed strategy.”
“Acknowledge the facts and fulfill your commitments. We don’t need more theater,” he added.
Iranian lawmakers draft law to bar "hostile" vessels from Strait of Hormuz
Iranian lawmakers have drafted a bill to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on certain vessels and penalties for violators, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
The bill, which is currently under review by the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission, is an initiative separate from talks with Oman on commercial shipping through the strait.
Under the bill, ships from the US, Israel and other countries Iran considers hostile would be barred from the waterway. Military or civilian cargo linked to Israel and vessels involved in actions against Iran and its proxies would also be banned from the strait, according to Fars. Vessels linked to countries and individuals considered to “have caused damage” to Iran would also be barred from transiting the strait until compensation is paid, Fars said.
Violations of the restrictions will carry fines of up to 20% of the value of the vessel’s cargo, Fars added.
Lawmaker Alireza Salimi said the bill is under expert review and the parliament had invited specialists to submit recommendations before it is finalized.
The effort to draft this bill was first announced in March by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The following month, a draft was released that targeted vessels from countries considered hostile to Iran, with the possibility of exemptions. The latest version of the bill expands the proposed restrictions to more vessels and also covers cargo.
US State Department says Israel-Lebanon talks were "productive"
The now-concluded talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome “were productive on the technical and expert levels,” a US State Department spokesperson said.
“The two sides are a lot closer on what needs to be done to advance and expand the pilot zone process,” they said, without providing further details. Under the pilot zone process, Israel Defense Forces are meant to withdraw from southern Lebanon and cede control of the areas to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The three days of US-mediated technical discussions were set against the backdrop of renewed Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating a tenuous ceasefire deal.
Trump says he's “extremely happy” with Hegseth
President Donald Trump said Thursday he’s “extremely happy” with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, pushing back on reporting that he’s upset with him over munitions shortages.
“I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing. Everything has been extraordinary, including our attack on Venezuela, where the result was accomplished in less than one day, allowing us to bring one of the worst criminals anywhere in the World, Nicolas Maduro, to Justice!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Likewise, Iran, where the country has been decimated for the purpose of NOT ALLOWING IT TO EVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, is going very well!” Trump added, going on to call his defense secretary “highly respected.”
Trump claimed earlier Thursday that the United States has “massive amounts” of munitions, following reports from various media, including CNN, on the Pentagon’s depleted stockpile.
What to know as Israel escalates strikes in Lebanon and diplomatic talks restart in Rome
The Israeli military has ramped up strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon over the past few days, in an escalation that saw US-led peace talks cut short before delegations resumed them again on Thursday.
Delegations from Israel and Lebanon have now concluded a third round of negotiations in Rome, an Israeli official told CNN, following two days of discussions in the Italian capital.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating a tenuous ceasefire deal.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also held parallel talks with UK government officials on efforts “to halt war in the region,” the country’s National News Agency (NNA) reported, as regional diplomacy pressed on.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Israeli soldiers killed: Two Israeli troops were killed in southern Lebanon Wednesday after an explosive device detonated as they entered a building in the town of Majdal Zoun “as part of an operation to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure,” the Israeli military said on Thursday. In response to that attack, forces “struck over the past 24 hours Hezbollah terror infrastructure in several areas across southern Lebanon,” the military said.
- On the ground: Israeli forces launched attacks in parts of the Lebanese city of Tyre, according to NNA, striking the nearby town of Al-Burj Al-Shamali and the town of Al-Mansouri. At least eight people were injured, NNA said. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,250 others since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on Sunday.
- Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Rome: Talks were described “productive on the technical and expert levels,” with both sides are “a lot closer on what needs to be done to advance and expand the pilot zone process,” a US State Department spokesperson said, without providing further details.
- UN records “highest” number of projectiles since June: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have recorded “daily violations” of Lebanese airspace and “military activities” on the ground, UNIFIL said on Thursday, adding that the “overall situation remains fragile.” On Wednesday, the agency documented 113 projectiles launched by the Israeli military, marking the highest number since June 21.
- Israelis detained after breaking into Lebanon: Israeli authorities detained 15 civilians from Israel after they arrived in the town of al-Ghajar and “crossed the border” into Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. The military warned that such acts are a “criminal offense.”
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler, Charbel Mallo, Andrew Carey, Dana Karni, Ibrahim Dahman, Tamara Qiblawi, Mustafa Qadri and Kathleen Magramo contributed reporting.
Rights groups accuse Israel of possible war crime over strike that killed Lebanese journalist
An Israeli attack that killed veteran Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil earlier this year appeared to deliberately target civilians and may amount to a war crime, international and Lebanese rights groups said Thursday.
Khalil was killed while reporting on hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in April. Her camera operator, Zeinab Faraj, was severely injured in the same attack.
The rights groups, which include Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, as well as Lebanon’s Legal Agenda and Union of Journalists, say they investigated photo and video evidence, along with witness statements and other materials, into three Israeli strikes on the town of al-Tiri on April 22. Their findings “indicate that the Israeli military knew or should have known that Khalil and Faraj were civilians,” HRW said in its report following the investigation.
Israel rejects claims the journalists were deliberately targeted.
The joint report, citing multiple witnesses, also said Israeli forces deployed a stun grenade as a Red Cross medical crew tried to rescue the two journalists. Khalil was most likely alive when Israeli troops “forced the Red Cross team to retreat from the site,” HRW added.
Israel has denied obstructing rescue efforts.
The Israeli military told HRW that a preliminary inquiry found that Khalil was killed “during a sequence of events” in which two Hezbollah fighters were killed, adding the incident was still being reviewed. HRW said the Israeli military “did not respond to follow-up questions on the nature of the evidence used” in establishing the two men killed were “legitimate military targets.”
Yemen’s Houthis say they conducted large-scale military operation targeting Saudi forces
The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen claimed on Thursday to have carried out a “large-scale” military operation targeting Saudi troops with ballistic missiles and drones in several areas of the country.
In the statement, the militant group said the attacks were in response to what it said were Saudi military buildups “in their final stages aimed at escalating the aggression against the liberated provinces and the Yemeni people.”
The group offered no evidence for the claim and there has been no immediate confirmation from the Saudi side.
Reuters reported earlier Thursday that at least 30 Yemeni government troops were killed in Houthi attacks on military camps in the provinces of Marib and Hadhramawt, citing government sources.
The US Embassy in Yemen said it expressed its “deepest condolences to the families of the brave Yemeni soldiers killed in Hadhramawt and Marib.”
In a statement posted to its Facebook account, it added: “The Iran-backed Houthis’ cowardly attacks represent yet another example of their terrorism against the Yemeni people.”
The attacks mark a major escalation since a 2022 truce largely ended fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which was backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
Catch up: Trump dismisses low munition reports while Iran and Oman appear close on deal
We’ve been reporting about the latest view from Washington on the war with Iran. US President Donald Trump dismissed reports that the Pentagon is running low on munitions, while his Vice President JD Vance warned that negotiations with Tehran would “be messy.”
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Oman and Iran appear poised to strike a deal on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while tensions escalated in the Red Sea after two vessels were attacked.
Catch up here:
- US munitions: Trump claimed in the wee hours of Thursday morning that the US has “massive amounts” of munitions. CNN has reported the military exhausted nearly 80% of its interceptors for its key THAAD missile defense system. Senior US military commanders also warned that the Pentagon’s munitions stockpile is “dangerously low,” according to multiple sources.
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Tehran is finalizing a deal with Oman for the transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but officials in Tehran have warned that would not necessarily mean a reopening of the critical waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil traveled pre-war. Leading maritime groups have warned that tolls imposed on vessels could increase costs for consumers.
- Iran negotiations: US Vice President JD Vance said that negotiations with Iran could take time, stating that Tehran has “a fractured system,” during an interview Wednesday. While oil prices in the US remain high compared to pre-war levels, Vance insisted they would go down and the US “will be in a stronger position” while not allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Global oil prices rose slightly today.
- Red Sea attacks: Two attacks were reported in recent days near the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandeb Strait as concerns grow over the Iran-backed Houthi’s targeting of shipping in the region. Indian authorities confirmed Tuesday that an Indian-flagged vessel had been struck and sunk by a “projectile” off the coast of Yemen and a loud explosion was heard near a vessel near Aden. Authorities said all crew members were safe.
CNN’s Todd Symons, Anna Cooban, Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Billy Stockwell, Eleni Giokos, Andrew Carey, Kathleen Magramo and Charbel Mallo all contributed to this report.
Israeli and Lebanese officials resume talks in Rome, local media says
Delegations from Israel and Lebanon have started a third round of negotiations in Rome, according to Italian media, after renewed Israeli strikes led to a temporary delay in talks.
Thursday’s negotiations follow two days of “intense discussions” in the Italian capital, according to CNN affiliate, Sky TG24.
The US-mediated discussions ended earlier than expected on Wednesday, after the Israeli military escalated attacks in Lebanon – accusing the militant group Hezbollah of violating a tenuous ceasefire deal.
CNN has reached out to Italy’s Foreign Ministry and the White House for comment.
"Kill your killer:" Tehran's billboards promise revenge against America
Vengeful billboards produced by the Iranian regime’s propaganda machine, attempting to show to both its people and the outside world, that the Islamic Republic remains firmly in control while the United States crumbles, are on display in the capital Tehran.
On one of them the Statue of Liberty is seen falling down, surrounded by people carrying flags reading, “Oh avengers of Hussein,” signaling the avenge of the killing of Imam Hussein bin Ali, a central figure in Shiite Islam.
Another billboard shows what appears to be a fighter, wearing a shirt with Khamenei’s portrait on it. He holds a red flag commemorating Imam Hussein.
Another shows a skeleton on the banks of the Strait of Hormuz, as a vessel carrying the Iranian flag passes by. The words “The Persian Gulf” are written on the ship.
Iran routinely puts up billboards across the city, purporting to demonstrate its might amid the war with Israel and the US. Last month, authorities put up a giant poster showing US President Donald Trump being choked by multiple hands. The words, “Revenge is inevitable” were written in English and Farsi.
Oil prices up slightly as investors exercise caution over Strait of Hormuz deal
Global oil prices rose slightly on Thursday as traders exercised caution over reported deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a series of “false dawns.”
The price of Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was up 1.2% close to 7 a.m. ET to trade at $80 a barrel. WTI, the US benchmark, rose 1% to $76 a barrel around the same time.
Iran said it is finalizing a deal with Oman for the transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but officials in Tehran have warned that would not necessarily mean a reopening of the strait, through which 20% of the world’s oil travelled pre-war.
There are also growing concerns over the role of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the conflict. On Wednesday, the group, based in Yemen, claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, close to the Bab al-Mandeb strait at the base of the Red Sea.
“Markets have seen plenty of false dawns throughout this conflict,” Deutsche Bank analysts wrote in a note on Thursday.
Trump says US has "massive amounts" of munitions following reports of depleted stockpile
President Donald Trump claimed in the early hours of Thursday morning the United States has “massive amounts” of munitions, following reports from various media, including CNN, on the Pentagon’s depleted stockpile.
“Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country’s history,” he added.
On Tuesday, CNN reported that the US military had exhausted nearly 80% of its interceptors for its key THAAD missile defense system, and that senior US military commanders had warned that the Pentagon’s munitions stockpile is “dangerously low,” according to multiple sources.
Explosive device killed two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, military says
Two Israeli troops killed in southern Lebanon on Wednesday died after an explosive device detonated as they entered a building in the town of Majdal Zoun, the Israeli military said.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) added that the soldiers were taking part in a clearance operation to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in the town. Four other soldiers were seriously wounded.
The IDF says it is still trying to determine when the device had been planted and how it was detonated.
The incident was described as a “blatant violation of the ceasefire” in an Israeli military statement, and triggered ramped-up Israeli airstrikes on several locations in southern Lebanon. It also saw Israeli and Lebanese negotiators cut short US-mediated talks in Rome for the day.
CNN’s Kathleen Magramo and Charbel Mallo contributed reporting.
Shipping groups warn Hormuz tolls could drive up costs and threaten free navigation
Leading shipping associations have urged the United Nations to oppose tolls and service fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a deal on the vital waterway, according to Iran’s deputy foreign minister.
Eight maritime groups signed a joint open letter to the UN and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Monday, warning that introducing tolls could drive up costs for consumers and undermine the principles of free navigation.
“Once such a precedent is established, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist similar measures elsewhere, creating uncertainty for international shipping and global commerce,” the letter said.
“These consequences extend beyond shipping costs, contributing to higher energy prices, higher inflation, and higher economic uncertainty. Ultimately, these impacts will carry a human cost, affecting livelihoods around the world.”
On Monday, Iran said it intended to collect “fees” for several maritime services offered alongside Oman in the Strait of Hormuz once the waterway is opened, according to state media. That would mark a major change from the pre-war state, when no country controlled shipping through the waterway. Control or supervision over the chokepoint has become just as much a red line for Tehran as the right to nuclear enrichment.
The prospect of such leverage is unacceptable in Washington, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said any form of state control over international waters is against international law.
Iran had agreed to not imposing fees or tolls on the strait for 60 days, under the Memorandum of Understanding, before it collapsed as both Tehran and Washington failed to commit to the 14-point agreement.
Tim Lister contributed to this report.
Tehran says Oman-Iran deal isn’t enough to reopen Hormuz. Here’s what it wants
Iran is finalizing a deal with Oman for the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but a deal between the two coastal nations does not mean the waterway will reopen, Tehran says.
Tehran says it requires a number of guarantees from the United States if vessels are to transit the strait freely.
In an interview with the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi spelled out Iran’s demands, saying the US must reverse actions it says violated previous commitments.
These include:
- Ending the naval blockade on Iranian ports.
- Addressing sanctions that were reimposed on Iran when the truce collapsed – especially on the oil sector – and resuming negotiations over Tehran’s frozen assets.
- Addressing the US’ “failure” to ensure stability in Lebanon as envisaged under the memorandum of understanding reached with Washington in June.
Asked if Iran is essentially implementing Article 5 of the June agreement, which committed Iran to using its “best efforts” to ensure safe commercial passage for 60 days, Gharibabadi said “No.”
“Article 5 only established guiding principles, not a final operational plan,” he said, adding that “the new Iran–Oman understanding is presented as an entirely new model reflecting today’s security environment rather than a continuation of the previous 60-year arrangement.”
This means that shipping routes through the strait will change, with a significant portion of commercial traffic transiting through Iranian territorial waters and the remainder through Omani waters, he said.
Gharibabadi said the arrangement reflects a new strategy for exercising “effective sovereignty” over the strait, while stressing that Iran does not intend to routinely close the waterway in peacetime.
