• Iranian supreme leader pledges to avenge the blood of martyrs
• Trump says thousands of missiles aimed at Iran after Israeli reports of ‘Iranian assassination plan’
• Araghchi in Muscat to lead talks on Strait of Hormuz as Washington seeks free, secure transit
• MBS, Trump stress security of maritime navigation; Dar, Saudi FM say renewed conflict imperils peace efforts

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge the assassination of his predecessor and father Ali Khamenei as well as those killed during the past two wars after US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened Iran with 1,000 more missiles, amid diplomatic efforts by regional powers to revive talks for de-escalation in the Middle East.

The renewed exchange of warnings came after Israel reportedly shared intelligence with Washington that Iran had devised a plot to assassinate Trump.

On the other hand, Qatari officials joined talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi on the fate of Hormuz, as the US President talked to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the situation with Saudi Foreign Minister Farhan bin Abdullah. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the regional situation with his Saudi counterpart in an effort to deescalate Middle East tension.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president earlier warned, “1,000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat.

“Orders have already been given, and the US Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one-year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran.”

Shortly afterwards, a written statement from the Iranian supreme leader, who has not made a public appearance since the assassination of his father in the joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran, came vowing to avenge the killings of Iranians and their leadership. At the week-long funeral ceremonies, many mourners had publicly demanded vengeance for the assassination of Ali Khamenei.

“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers. Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission,” the statement mentioned.

‘Oman talks on Hormuz’

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on Saturday to discuss arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington seeking a public pledge of free, secure transit. Trump said on Friday the US and Iran had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week, while also declaring an end to the ceasefire reached between the two sides.

No attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday. A senior Iranian source told Reuters a call between Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan had been agreed and mediators were trying to arrange it for Saturday while the Iranian FM was in Oman.

CBS News and its UK partner BBC both reported that Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to lead negotiations on Saturday.

Iran’s Fars news agency later cited a source saying no negotiations would take place until the US retreated from its positions. The talks had not taken place by the time this report went to press.

With the Iranian top diplomat in Oman, Qatari officials are also taking part in talks between Iran and Oman in Muscat over at least partially opening the critical strait of Hormuz, Anadolu Agency reported citing Axios. The parties were reportedly discussing a potential statement on fully opening the “median lane” in the Strait of Hormuz, which was in international waters, for full and free movement.

Diplomatic engagements

Amid an increase in tensions, Trump also spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to “regional stability”, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. According to the SPA, the discussion covered ongoing developments in the region, specifically referencing talks between the US and Iran. Both leaders emphasised the vital importance of ensuring the security of maritime navigation and sea lanes, while reaffirming their support for initiatives that foster security and stability across the Middle East, the agency added. The phone call followed a contact between the Saudi foreign minister and US counterpart.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah discussed the latest regional developments during a telephone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the Saudi foreign ministry, the two sides underscored the importance of continuing coordination and consultations to promote security and stability across the region.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke to his Saudi counterpart. Both expressed concern over escalating tensions between Iran and the US, particularly after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

They “agreed that the renewed conflict serves no one’s interest and undermines efforts toward regional peace and stability” during a phone call, the FO said on X. “The Saudi foreign minister shared the kingdom’s perspective on ongoing diplomatic efforts and emphasised the importance of de-escalation and continued dialogue,” the statement read. “DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and allow mediation efforts the necessary time and space to achieve a peaceful and meaningful outcome.”

Iranian bridge repaired

Iranian authorities have said the bridge in Golestan province’s Aqqala County, damaged in an earlier US strike, has reopened for operations, reported Iran’s Radio and Television News Agency. Iranian state media had previously reported that a railway bridge near Aqqala was hit early on Wednesday, damaging the Gorgan-Incheh Borun railway line, a part of Iran’s northern rail connectivity with Turkmenistan and wider Central Asian networks.

At least 17 people were killed in US strikes on six cities in Iran on Wednesday and Thursday, the head of the public relations and information centre at Iran’s Health Ministry said. He said 115 people were wounded.

Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran will stop honouring its memorandum of understanding with the US if the latter’s attacks continue, accusing Washington of a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter over attacks on Iranian islands and southern cities on July 7 and 8.

“Should the United States continue to violate its obligations under the MoU, Iran will no longer be bound to fulfil its obligations under the MoU,” he told reporters outside the UN Security Council.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2026