The United States says negotiations involving Oman and Iran have made progress toward an arrangement for safer shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but officials stress that no final agreement has been reached. Iran says its discussions with Oman have been positive and are continuing.
The possible arrangement could allow more vessels to move through the strategic waterway in the short term. Differences remain over how the route would operate, maritime service fees and security arrangements, while wider disputes between Washington and Tehran continue.
At a glance:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is involved in the negotiations, while Iran says it is negotiating with Oman rather than directly with the US.
- The talks are focused on establishing safe inbound and outbound shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an agreement could come as early as today or tomorrow; diplomatic sources in Tehran said a deal was possible by the end of Wednesday.
- Iranian officials say the strait remains subject to unresolved questions about its operating mechanism, fees and security arrangements.
What negotiators are trying to resolve
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks with Oman had been assessed positively at both political and technical levels. Their immediate focus is a mechanism for safe inbound and outbound shipping, rather than a comprehensive settlement of all disputes between Iran and the United States.
Related coverage: Iran Attacks Tankers in Hormuz Strait as US War Efforts Stall.
The Strait of Hormuz remains open, according to Rubio, and vessels are continuing to transit it. The proposed arrangement would seek to let more ships pass safely in the short term before negotiations turn to broader questions, including what Rubio called the ultimate deal and the denuclearisation of Iran.
Why a final agreement is still uncertain
Officials have not announced a completed deal. Baghaei said important differences remain over how the waterway would operate, including maritime service fees and other security arrangements. Iran also maintains that its negotiations are with Oman, which is mediating, rather than direct talks with Washington.
Scott Bessent said an agreement might be reached as early as today or tomorrow, while diplomatic sources in Tehran suggested the end of Wednesday was possible. Those timelines indicate expectations of an imminent announcement, not confirmation that the parties have settled the outstanding terms.
More context: Iran and Oman Exchange Proposals on Managing the Strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomacy expands as security risks continue
Regional governments are pursuing parallel diplomatic channels. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump about de-escalation, and Qatar said Trump praised Doha’s role in supporting dialogue. The emir called for continued diplomacy and adherence to a US-Iran memorandum of understanding agreed in mid-June.
Pakistan has invited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad, although it remains unclear whether he will travel. Separately, US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome are addressing Hezbollah’s disarmament, Israeli redeployments from southern Lebanon and the restoration of Lebanese state authority in border areas.
Incidents underline the fragile backdrop
Military tensions have continued while the Hormuz discussions proceed. An Indian cargo vessel sank after being struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters, according to India’s shipping minister; all 14 crew members were rescued by the Yemeni coastguard.
Also read: US halts airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
Operations at Saudi Arabia’s Najran airport were suspended after Yemen’s Houthis claimed a drone strike against what they described as a sensitive Saudi military site. The group has also claimed attacks on oil tankers, commercial shipping and energy infrastructure, reinforcing the security concerns surrounding regional trade routes.
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