US President Donald Trump’s efforts to quiet two Middle Eastern conflicts faced setbacks over the weekend as both Israel and Iran raised new obstacles to proposed deals.
Israel publicly rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan Sunday, arguing it would not withdraw from the enclave before Hamas disarms.
Iran said that a deal with Oman to fully open the Strait of Hormuz was close Sunday, but it complicated the path to agreement by issuing a fresh list of conditions, including an end to Washington’s blockade and compensation for war damages.
Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities on Sunday threatened further escalation. “The Iranians fully believe Trump wants out,” a Eurasia Group expert told The Wall Street Journal, “which is why they are playing hardball.”