Reuters reported the postponement of a meeting between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Gulf states in Oman, reducing hopes for diplomatic opening in the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s foreign minister, said the scheduled meeting for Monday was postponed with the aim of reaching “consensus.”

The Islamic Republic was due to present its agreement with Oman on managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf Arab countries. Tehran said the meeting was delayed at the request of some countries in the region and with agreement between Iran and Oman.

At the same time, the suspension of activity on the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia after drone attacks has increased concerns about oil supply. Sources told Reuters that if the shutdown continues, reserves at the Yanbu port would be sufficient for only five to seven days of exports.

Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthis’ advance near the Bab al-Mandab have also increased pressure on energy transit routes. Reuters reported that Mohammed bin Salman asked Donald Trump for military assistance to counter the Houthis, but so far he has received only a proposal for intelligence support.