day one hundred sixty-five (13. 718)

As the sixty-day negotiation period expires, Tehran declares that it will take an offensive approach to reopening the Strait of Hormuz as Washington’s diplomatic tactlessness has only resulted in violation and frustration. Simultaneously, Trump threatens to bomb Oman if the country—a US ally and considered the Switzerland of the Gulf region for its relative neutrality and inoffensive political stance—interferes with the stalled talks, adding that Iran should wave the white flag of surrender. Houthi attack another Saudi ship transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb and Iran places a bounty on American soldiers.