Iran and Oman advance talks to reopen Hormuz Strait amid US diplomatic efforts
Regional officials say Iran and Oman are close to an agreement that would allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, while US officials express optimism that a deal could be reached soon.
Iran and Oman are negotiating a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, officials familiar with the talks told the Associated Press. The draft arrangement would have vessels enter the Persian Gulf via a route under Iranian control and exit through an Omani-controlled lane, with fees for security and environmental protection. Negotiators said the details remain fluid and any final pact would be linked to the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress has been made in the discussions but no final agreement has been reached, adding that Washington hopes a deal will be concluded "very shortly." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that a deal could be possible within a day, describing it as a step toward "freedom of movement" for shipping.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that diplomatic efforts involving all parties are ongoing, while the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said talks are limited to Oman and do not involve the United States.
U.S. officials emphasized a preference for a temporary routing arrangement that would not grant Iran authority to charge tolls or control transit lanes, echoing President Donald Trump’s statement that the United States would not allow tolls unless imposed by the U.S.
Data from maritime-tracking firm Kpler showed that Iraq exported more than 30 million barrels of crude through the strait in a recent month, underscoring the waterway’s importance to global oil supplies.
Separately, U.N.-backed negotiations between Israel and Lebanon continued in Rome, and a mass funeral was held in Gaza for 112 Palestinians whose remains were recovered after years of rubble.