Iraq is negotiating with Iran to allow its oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz and is simultaneously working to restore the long-dormant Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Türkiye, Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul-Ghani said on Tuesday.

The efforts aim to stabilize Iraqi crude exports after recent attacks on tankers in national waters, the minister told state media.

He told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), “There is ongoing communication with Iran regarding allowing the passage of some Iraqi oil tankers.”

Gulf Arab states urge the U.S. to maintain pressure on Iran, citing attacks on ports, oil facilities, and the Strait of Hormuz. U.S.-Israeli strikes continue in Iran, while Tehran calls for Muslim nations to unite against Washington and Israel. Gulf countries are cautious about direct involvement. International coalition efforts face resistance from European and Asian partners. The conflict has disrupted tanker traffic, affected global energy markets, and prompted coordinated diplomatic initiatives, including designations of Iranian military entities as terrorist organizations. U.S. military planners continue to evaluate escalation and exit options, with the situation remaining complex and fluid.

Hoshyar Zebari stated Monday that militia attacks on the U.S. Embassy, Al-Rasheed Hotel, Baghdad Airport diplomatic center, and Erbil constitute the start of an all-out war to drag Iraq into regional fighting. Zalmay Khalilzad called Tuesday for the U.S. to destroy the IRGC-linked militias' capabilities and pressure PM al-Sudani. Around 10-12 missiles and drones struck the embassy, while a Jadriya house strike killed possible senior PMF figures. Iraqi forces closed major bridges and streets and ordered PMF commanders to evacuate bases.

Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran is ready for a ceasefire if guarantees prevent renewed war, warning it is prepared for a prolonged conflict. His remarks come as U.S. officials weigh options to end or escalate the war, according to NBC News. The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, with global oil markets affected. Efforts to build an international coalition to secure the waterway have faced resistance from allies, Axios reported. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets continue, and Washington is urging partners to increase pressure on Tehran through diplomatic measures, according to Reuters.

U.S. military plans include options to end or escalate the Iran conflict, according to NBC News, as fighting intensifies and the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Efforts to form an international coalition to secure the waterway have faced resistance from key allies, Axios reported. U.S. and Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian infrastructure, while Tehran has continued regional attacks and rejected ceasefire requests. Rising oil prices and market disruptions have increased pressure on the Trump administration. Separately, the U.S. is urging allies to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah as terrorist groups, according to Reuters, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military operations.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that Operation Epic Fury, launched against Iran under the direction of the US President on February 28, has achieved significant operational milestones.

Around 200 U.S. military personnel have been wounded in seven countries across the Middle East since the start of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, a U.S. military spokesperson said on Monday.