Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels say they attacked a Saudi oil tanker off the port of Yanbu in the Red Sea on Wednesday, stepping up their declared maritime blockade of the kingdom.
The attack comes as the United States Treasury Secretary has signalled a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as Wednesday — but Tehran denies it is in direct talks with Washington, saying it is negotiating only through Oman.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that significant progress had been made, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged there was still no final agreement.
Nick Harper reports from Washington.
IN: “There still seems...”
OUT: “...with the US.”
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Nick Harper, our reporter in Washington, says the uncertainty over the state of diplomacy is directly linked to whether the United States will resume military action against Iran.
IN: “Progress on talks...”
OUT: “...currently on pause.”
DUR: 35 seconds
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Nick Harper in Washington says the possibility of easing American sanctions on Iran could serve as an incentive to move the wider negotiations forward.
IN: “That possibility of...”
OUT: “...a nuclear programme.”
DUR: 31 seconds
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