Iran says framework of agreement with Oman finalized

Iran and Oman had finalized the general framework of their agreement, Hassan Ghashghavi, the spokesperson of Iranian parliament's National Security Commission, said on Friday, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.

"The final text and details will be announced soon," Ghashghavi said, adding that implementation of the agreement remains "subject to final approval at the highest decision-making levels."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that a joint statement between Tehran and Muscat was under review and in the final drafting stage, according to a post on Telegram. He said negotiations between the two countries were "forward-moving" and that a deal would be reached "if certain third parties do not obstruct this process."

The agreement centers on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and could pave the way for the reopening of the critical waterway for commercial shipping and energy supplies.

Meanwhile, a US official told Reuters on Friday that progress was being made between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz and that Washington expected a deal soon.

Once a deal ⁠is announced to restore commercial ​shipping without impediments, the ​US will lift its blockade of Iranian ports, the official said. "As ​always, ⁠US actions will continue to be performance-based and tied to ⁠Iran’s ​implementation of ​its commitments."

The developments come amid broader diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed the country's commitment to pursuing dialogue for safeguarding its rights while highlighting that Tehran will not be forced to surrender.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview, published on the website of his office on Friday, defending the Iranian government's decision to enter negotiations with the US and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the conflict.

Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to its obligations as long as the US fulfills its commitments under the MoU, adding, "Wherever they fail to fulfill their commitment, we have no obligation to continue."

Earlier this week, Pezeshkian denied that he was stepping down and said he would "continue his work resolutely." The remarks came amid rumored "divisions" within Iran's leadership over the MoU.

While the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains in focus, tensions have also escalated elsewhere in the region, with renewed fighting in Yemen raising concerns over a broader regional conflict.

Houthis intensify missile, drone attacks on gov't forces in Yemen's Marib

Yemen's Houthi group said on Friday it launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on a major government military camp in the oil-rich northeastern province of Marib, as a sharp escalation in hostilities left soldiers and civilians killed or wounded.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a social media statement that the group targeted government troops, weapons depots, vehicles and military equipment at the Sahn al-Jinn camp near Marib city with "a large number of missiles and drones."

Sarea said the operation followed what the Houthis described as the detection of Saudi-backed military mobilization and reinforcements in the area, alleging that Saudi Arabia was preparing for military actions.

Four government soldiers were killed and four others wounded when a Houthi drone struck pro-government forces in Harib district in southern Marib, a military official said, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Missile and drone attacks were also reported in other government-controlled areas of Marib on Friday.

The latest developments followed a wave of Houthi strikes a day earlier against Saudi-backed government forces in Marib and neighboring Hadramout.

On Thursday, Sarea said Houthi ballistic missiles and drones had struck military camps and troop gatherings in the two provinces, claiming that "hundreds" of government personnel had been killed or wounded.

Marib, a province rich in oil and natural gas, was one of the most fiercely contested areas during Yemen's civil war. It remains a key stronghold of the internationally recognized government.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, on Friday, warned of a growing risk of renewed large-scale conflict in Yemen amid escalating attacks by the Houthi group against Saudi tankers and Yemeni government forces.

He expressed concern over strikes on civilian infrastructure, including airports, and the broader rise in regional tensions.

"Taken together, these developments risk jeopardizing the gains of the 2022 truce," Grundberg said, warning that they could draw Yemen into "a broader regional confrontation."

Grundberg noted he had held intensive discussions in recent weeks with Yemeni parties, regional actors and international partners to explore options for de-escalation.

He called on all parties to exercise "maximum restraint," halt actions that could trigger military retaliation and engage in good-faith negotiations under UN auspices.

(With input from Xinhua)