US, Iran inch toward new truce

Washington threatens to 'blow up' Gulf ally Oman over dialogue on Hormuz

The United States and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire by 60 days, but US President Donald Trump has yet to give his final approval, Axios reported citing officials.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman, a long-term ally in the Persian Gulf, complicating delicate diplomacy in the Middle East amid fresh strikes in the region.

The warning from Trump followed reports of discussions between Iran and Oman regarding enhanced cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite the existing US blockade of the critical waterway.