Trump Shifts Vance’s Focus From Iran Talks as Gulf Shipping Attacks Intensify

US President Donald Trump has directed Vice President JD Vance to focus on alleged crime and corruption in Democratic-run American cities, signalling a shift in Washington’s approach to negotiations with Iran as tensions continue across the Middle East.

Trump said Vance should give his “complete and total attention” to alleged criminal activity and corruption in Democratic-led cities. He argued that addressing these issues could help balance the US budget more quickly than reaching an agreement with Iran.

“We don’t need a deal with Iran. Those days have long since passed,” Trump wrote on social media. He also claimed that Washington had secured Iran’s money and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance had played a central role in efforts to resolve the conflict and explore a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. However, he questioned the war’s cost and linked it to Republicans’ heavy losses in the recent US midterm elections.

Vance also described an earlier recommendation to end the war as “sound advice”. His possible role in future negotiations had attracted attention amid reports of contacts with senior Iranian officials.

Vance-Iran Talks Remain Uncertain

The Wall Street Journal reported that Vance was considering face-to-face talks with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

According to the report, Vance sent Rezaei a letter in October requesting a meeting. Discussions about a possible encounter remained at an early stage, with no date confirmed.

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The report said Trump had indicated to aides and foreign counterparts that Vance could lead renewed diplomatic efforts. However, Trump’s latest public remarks have raised questions about whether the vice president will continue in that role.

A successful diplomatic initiative could strengthen Vance’s political standing, while a failed effort could expose him to criticism over the administration’s handling of the conflict.

Iran Says Washington Must Respond to Its Conditions

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran had conveyed its conditions for negotiations to Washington but had not received a formal or specific response.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ghalibaf said the next move rested with the United States. He described Iran’s seven-point framework as a set of minimum conditions for continuing negotiations.

The demands include ending the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, stopping interference in the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawing additional US forces deployed to the region and lifting sanctions.

The framework also calls for an end to the war against Iran and allied groups, a ceasefire in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

Ghalibaf said Iran remained willing to reach an agreement if Washington honoured its previous commitments. He identified a lack of trust in the United States as the main obstacle.

He also said Qatar and Pakistan were serving as the main mediators between Tehran and Washington, while Russia, China and other regional countries were supporting efforts to reduce tensions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Assembly of Experts criticised international institutions over what it described as repeated threats against the country’s nuclear knowledge. The body said such threats had weakened confidence in international organisations.

Tanker Struck Near UAE Coast, Crew Evacuated

Maritime security concerns have intensified following several reported incidents around the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile about 14 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE, on Wednesday.

The impact caused a fire in the engine room. Firefighting operations were underway, while all crew members had been evacuated safely, UKMTO reported.

Maritime security firm Ambrey said the vessel was struck at the stern while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. It reported no injuries or pollution from the incident.

Iran Reports Explosions Involving Oil Tankers

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy said two oil supertankers were disabled by explosions on Wednesday after allegedly ignoring warnings against using an unauthorised route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that the vessels had struck naval mines. However, Reuters said it could not independently verify the Iranian account.

Iran’s military subsequently reported two additional tanker incidents on Thursday, according to state media. The reports have heightened concerns about commercial shipping and energy supplies through the strategic waterway.

Separately, Oman’s National Emergency Management Committee reviewed efforts to manage an oil tanker that had run aground off Al Qibliyah Island.

The committee discussed the handling of the vessel’s cargo, emergency incidents in waters near Musandam Governorate and monitoring for possible environmental pollution.

Omani authorities did not identify the tanker or disclose when and how it ran aground.

Two Iranian Nationals Convicted in UK Espionage Case

In Britain, two Iranian nationals have been convicted of offences linked to intelligence gathering for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, were found guilty following a six-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, according to British police and prosecutors.

The investigation found that the men conducted surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research between August 2024 and March 2025.

Police said the targets included two journalists, a lawyer and a media production professional. Sepahvand was also convicted of preparatory conduct involving surveillance intended to facilitate serious violence against a person in the UK.

Manesh was convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service but acquitted of the separate charge involving preparation for serious violence.

British investigators said they examined thousands of messages in Farsi and used mobile phone location data to establish the surveillance activities.

Saudi Arabia Reports Interception of Houthi Missiles

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles launched towards the Makkah region. Debris fell in Sabuhah village and Wadi al-Maghmas, according to Saudi authorities.

Saudi Civil Defence attributed the launches to Yemen’s Houthi movement. The Houthis have previously denied targeting Makkah and Madinah, saying their operations focus on military and strategic targets elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led coalition also reported intercepting drones and additional missiles in several parts of the kingdom.

The incidents underline the widening regional security risks as the conflict involving Iran continues to affect maritime routes and neighbouring countries.