MUSCAT — Iran and Oman have made progress toward an agreement aimed at reopening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials from the two countries and U.S. officials, although key issues remain unresolved and no final deal has been announced.
Iranian officials said discussions have focused on operational arrangements to restore commercial navigation through the strategic waterway, while Omani authorities have continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate an agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said negotiations had advanced and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached soon, though they cautioned that talks were continuing.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said proposals under discussion include designated shipping lanes through the strait, with Iran and Oman each overseeing separate transit corridors. Iranian officials have said any charges would be structured as service fees to support security, environmental protection and navigation. U.S. officials have disputed that characterization, saying Washington opposes any arrangement that would require ships to pay transit fees or seek Iranian approval to use the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, remains one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Shipping activity has been disrupted in recent months by regional conflict and security incidents, including reported attacks on commercial vessels.
Neither Tehran nor Muscat has announced that a final agreement has been concluded, and several issues remain under negotiation, according to officials involved in the talks. Authorities have not provided a timetable for fully restoring normal commercial traffic through the strait, and discussions were continuing as of Aug. 5.
