Tensions in the Middle East deepened on Sunday after Iran’s top security official declared Washington’s response to its proposal for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz “insufficient,” while U.S. President Donald Trump considers renewed military strikes against Tehran following deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia’s primary international airport.
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran has halted further responses to Washington via Qatari intermediaries until the U.S. clarifies unresolved terms in Iran’s seven-condition proposal.
Under Tehran’s blueprint, normal maritime transit through the waterway – which handled a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas prior to the war – could be restored within seven days if all conditions are met.
“In their response, they have accepted some of our conditions, while others remain unclear,” Rezaei said, emphasizing that the Strait will remain closed to U.S. traffic and negotiations stalled until Tehran’s terms are fully satisfied.
Airport attacks spark military escalation
The diplomatic impasse comes amid an escalating regional security crisis triggered by consecutive attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which killed 12 people and injured 309 – marking the deadliest assault on the Kingdom since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in February.
On Sunday, coalition forces reported that an “unidentified projectile” struck Terminal 4 at the airport, igniting a fire. While air defense systems intercepted accompanying cruise missiles, the extent of the damage remains under evaluation.
The King Khalid Financial District mandated remote work for all personnel for the foreseeable future. Multiple global executives withdrew from upcoming energy conferences in Riyadh, though organizers confirmed the World Petroleum Congress will proceed as scheduled.
Carriers including India’s Akasa Air suspended operations to Saudi Arabia, while several foreign governments issued travel advisories warning against transit through Riyadh.
Saudi civil aviation authorities (GACA) temporarily halted airport operations following Saturday’s casualties. The Saudi-led coalition blamed Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the assault and promised a firm military response.
President Trump noted Washington could join Saudi retaliatory strikes against the Houthis and reconsider direct military action against Tehran, despite previously seeking to avoid escalating hostilities prior to the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections. Trump confirmed plans to confer directly with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
