Regional officials stated Tuesday that Iran and the Gulf Arab state of Oman have made headway toward an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a development that could aid in de-escalating conflict in the Middle East.
According to two regional officials speaking to The Associated Press, the proposed arrangement would involve ships entering the Persian Gulf via an Iranian-controlled route and exiting through an Omani-controlled route. Service fees would be charged for security provision and maritime environment preservation under this structure.
The officials noted that negotiations are ongoing and that the final agreement might take a different shape, with any deal potentially contingent on the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. They spoke anonymously regarding the sensitive discussions taking place privately.
An accord formalizing Iran's control over the strait would represent a major strategic gain for Tehran, which could prompt the U.S. to obstruct the deal by withholding the removal of the blockade. Prior to attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28, the strait functioned as an open international waterway.
A U.S. official familiar with the negotiations indicated that any "temporary" routes established through the strait would not require approval from Iran or involve charges. This official, who could not comment publicly and spoke anonymously, affirmed the U.S. commitment to restoring the status quo where "no party controls the lanes or the ability to transit through them."
U.S. President Donald Trump faces increasing pressure to conclude an unpopular war that has increased gas prices ahead of midterm elections and depleted U.S. munitions supplies. Recently, his stance has fluctuated between threatening large-scale strikes and supporting diplomatic efforts.
In a Monday exchange with reporters, Trump reiterated his public opposition to tolls in the strait, stating, "I’m not going to let them charge. Anybody’s going to charge, we’ll charge."
US and Iranian Officials Confirm Progress Without Details
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that bilateral talks with Oman are focused on "establishing safe inbound and outbound shipping lanes," routes that "uphold sovereign rights while also addressing the national security considerations of both Iran and Oman." He added, via remarks in Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, that "The final results of these negotiations will be announced once concluded."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the State Department that "there’s been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We’re hoping that will happen very shortly." Rubio previously dismissed any deal granting Iran control over the strait last month, calling it a "very dangerous precedent" for other global regions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed CNBC that "there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict." When asked about tolls for transit through the strait, Bessent responded, "I think it would be freedom of movement."
The potential agreement between Iran and Oman was initially reported by The New York Times.
Trump Claims This Is Iran’s Final Opportunity
Before the war, one-fifth of global traded oil and gas passed through the waterway. Iranian attacks on vessels have largely halted transit, leading to a rise in prices for fuel, fertilizer, and other commodities, impacting economies beyond the Middle East.
On Monday, Trump said the U.S. was negotiating with Iran, characterizing it as Tehran's "last chance" to reach an accord and prevent further U.S. military escalation. He stated, "The first phase is the opening of the straits. The second phase will be the denuclearization. And that will take a little while."
Iran has refuted claims of negotiating with the U.S., asserting talks are exclusively with Oman.
The two nations previously reached an interim agreement in June to reopen the strait and commence 60 days of discussions aimed at resolving the war and the long-standing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. That agreement dissolved amid escalating hostilities centered on the strait, with the deadline approaching in about two weeks.
Cargo Ship Reports Strike in Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that a cargo ship was "hit by an unknown projectile" in the strait off Oman's coast, offering no further details regarding the vessel, its flag, or cargo. British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the ship sustained damage but did not elaborate. In recent weeks, Iran had repeatedly targeted ships utilizing a route near Oman that is monitored by U.S. military forces and intended to circumvent Tehran’s jurisdiction.