Top News

US Officials Confirm Progress in Iran-Oman Talks Over Strait of Hormuz/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Iran and Oman have made progress toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing the Middle East war and restoring a crucial global trade route. The emerging plan would establish separate Iranian- and Omani-controlled shipping routes, but officials say it may depend on the United States lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. officials confirmed progress as a cargo ship reported being struck by an unidentified projectile in the strait.

Quick Look

• Iran and Oman are negotiating an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
• Ships could enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route.
• Vessels would exit through a route controlled by Oman.
• Maritime security and environmental service fees could be imposed.
• Negotiations remain underway, and the final terms could change.
• Any agreement may depend on the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.
• Formal recognition of Iranian control would represent a major strategic victory for Tehran.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed progress but said no final deal had been reached.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an agreement could come within a day or two.
• Trump called the negotiations Iran’s “last chance” to avoid further U.S. military escalation.
• Before the war, one-fifth of globally traded oil and gas passed through the strait.
• A cargo ship reported being struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman.

Deep Look

Iran and Oman Move Closer to Hormuz Agreement

CAIRO — Iran and Oman have made progress toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to regional officials familiar with the negotiations.

A deal could represent a major breakthrough in efforts to reduce hostilities and bring the Middle East war closer to an end.

Two regional officials told The Associated Press that the emerging arrangement would divide maritime traffic between routes controlled by Iran and Oman.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because the sensitive negotiations are taking place behind closed doors.

Separate Routes Proposed for Gulf Shipping

Under the proposal being discussed, vessels would enter the Persian Gulf through a shipping route controlled by Iran.

Ships leaving the Gulf would use a separate route under Oman’s control.

The plan could include fees for services to maritime security and environmental protection.

Officials cautioned that negotiations are continuing and that the final agreement could take a different form.

Deal Linked to Lifting US Blockade

The regional officials said any agreement would be connected to the removal of the U.S. blockade on Iran’s ports.

Formalizing Iranian control over part of the Strait of Hormuz would amount to a significant strategic victory for Tehran.

The United States could try to block the arrangement by refusing to lift the blockade.

The strait operated as an open international waterway before the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.

Trump Faces Pressure to End War

President Donald Trump faces increasing pressure to end a conflict that has become unpopular in the United States.

The war has driven gasoline prices higher ahead of the midterm elections and depleted American supplies of some types of ammunition.

Trump has repeatedly shifted between threatening large-scale military strikes and expressing support for diplomatic efforts.

Rubio Confirms Progress in Negotiations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the talks had advanced but said the parties had not yet reached a final agreement.

Rubio previously rejected any agreement granting Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Bessent Says Deal Could Come Soon

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that an agreement to reopen the waterway could be imminent.

He was also asked whether vessels would be required to pay tolls to travel through the strait.

The New York Times first reported the potential agreement between Iran and Oman.

Hormuz Closure Disrupts Global Energy Trade

Before the war, approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas moved through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian attacks on commercial vessels have largely closed the waterway.

The disruption has increased the cost of fuel, fertilizer and other products while creating economic uncertainty well beyond the Middle East.

Reopening the strait could restore critical energy shipments and ease some of the pressure on global markets.

Trump Calls Talks Iran’s ‘Last Chance’

Trump said Monday that the United States was negotiating with Iran.

He described the discussions as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement and prevent another escalation in U.S. military operations.

Iran has denied participating in direct negotiations with the United States.

Tehran maintains that it is holding talks only with Oman.

Previous Interim Agreement Collapsed

Iran and Oman reached an interim agreement in June that called for reopening the strait.

The arrangement also launched 60 days of negotiations intended to end the war and address the longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.

That agreement collapsed as hostilities surrounding the strait intensified.

The original 60-day deadline is now approximately two weeks away, adding urgency to the latest diplomatic talks.

Cargo Ship Reports Projectile Strike

As negotiations continued, a commercial vessel reported being “hit by an unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman’s coast.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported the incident but did not identify the vessel, its flag or whether it was carrying cargo.

British maritime security company Ambrey said the ship sustained damage but provided no additional details.

Iran has repeatedly attacked ships in recent weeks along a route close to Oman.

The U.S. military oversees that route, which was intended to allow vessels to bypass areas under Tehran’s control.

More on US News