Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Monday that insecurity around the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from US and Israeli military action against Iran, as Tehran continued negotiations with Oman over a safe route for maritime traffic.

During a phone call, Araghchi briefed Wadephul on discussions with Oman aimed at establishing arrangements for secure shipping through the strategic waterway. The two ministers also reviewed bilateral relations and wider regional and international developments.

Araghchi called on the international community to hold the United States accountable for what he described as the security and economic consequences of the waterway’s closure. He said restoring maritime security would require an end to US military actions, the alleged blockade and other measures Tehran considers violations of previous commitments.

The diplomatic developments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remained high, with US President Donald Trump again warning that Washington could pursue a major escalation against Iran.

Trump’s remarks added fresh uncertainty to efforts to reopen the key maritime corridor, through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed before the conflict disrupted shipping.

US media also reported that Trump secretly switched aircraft during his departure from Türkiye last month amid an alleged Iranian threat against him. According to The Washington Post, Trump initially boarded an older Air Force One aircraft in Ankara before being transferred to a smaller Air Force C-32A.

The transfer reportedly involved an airport catering vehicle and was intended to make it harder for the public, journalists and some White House personnel to track the president’s movements.

The incident reportedly occurred after US forces resumed strikes against Iran following the collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Trump had visited Ankara for a NATO summit on July 7 and 8 when the alleged security threat emerged.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the security measures, saying the aircraft used by the president had sophisticated security systems and that officials were taking available measures to protect him.

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Meanwhile, oil markets reacted sharply to Trump’s latest comments. Brent crude rose about 5% to $87.70 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate increased 5.1% to $82.20. Brent recorded its fourth consecutive daily gain as traders assessed the risk of renewed military action and continued disruption to energy shipments.

Trump said Washington retained the ability to launch what he described as a massive escalation if necessary. He also demanded compensation from Iran for damage and deaths that he attributed to Tehran over the past five decades.

The US president maintained that the Strait of Hormuz was open and claimed that the US Navy controlled the waterway. Iran, however, has insisted that Washington must end its blockade and meet other conditions before Tehran agrees to fully restore maritime access.

Trump also said US forces had cleared mines from the waterway while acknowledging that Iranian forces could still attempt to disrupt shipping.

At the same time, Israeli media reported that the United States was reducing the number of aerial refuelling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the number of US tanker aircraft had moved closer to levels seen during a previous ceasefire, when around 20 aircraft were reportedly stationed at the airport. The report did not disclose how many aircraft were present at the height of the conflict.

The reported withdrawal came as speculation grew that Washington and Tehran could be moving closer to an understanding on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

US tanker aircraft have operated from Ben Gurion since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28. Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev previously raised concerns that the aircraft were occupying space needed for civilian aviation.

Israel temporarily blocked additional US refuelling aircraft from landing at Ben Gurion on July 14 after their reported number reached 33. The decision was reversed the following day after objections from US Central Command.

More than 2.6 million passengers are expected to travel through Ben Gurion Airport during August, according to Israeli media, increasing pressure to restore normal civilian flight operations.

Despite the diplomatic signals, negotiations remain difficult. Trump has demanded that Iran pay compensation for deaths and destruction linked to conflicts and unrest across the region, while Tehran has called for an end to sanctions, military threats and the US blockade.

Trump also linked Iran to deaths and attacks in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Gaza. However, some of his claims remain disputed, including his reference to the 2000 USS Cole attack, which was attributed to al-Qaeda rather than Iran.

Iranian officials said talks with Oman were continuing in a constructive manner and that the two sides had reached an understanding on a proposed shipping-route map. Technical issues involving navigation, environmental protection, maritime services and efforts to combat crime remained under discussion.

The negotiations could determine how commercial vessels move through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

With Washington maintaining military pressure and Tehran refusing to fully reopen the waterway without concessions, hopes for a broader agreement remain uncertain. The latest escalation in rhetoric has also increased concerns that prolonged disruption could keep energy prices elevated and add to inflationary pressures worldwide.