Iran denies direct U.S. talks on Hormuz as Houthis claim Aramco attack

Iran's foreign minister said Tehran is not engaging in direct talks with the United States over the Strait of Hormuz, though he noted that messages continue to be exchanged through intermediaries, according to a report by CNBC. The remarks came amid heightened tension in the Gulf region following a claimed attack on Saudi energy infrastructure, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already fraught diplomatic landscape between Washington and Tehran.

Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi Aramco refinery, a claim that has not been independently verified by outside authorities. Saudi Aramco said the resulting fire was brought under control and extinguished, and the company reported no casualties from the incident. The refinery's operational status following the fire has not been detailed publicly.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical corridors for global oil shipments, with a substantial share of seaborne crude passing through it each day. Any disruption to traffic through the strait is closely watched by energy markets and shipping insurers alike. Investors and regional governments are monitoring the situation for further developments as diplomatic and security signals continue to emerge from the Gulf.