Iran says a deal with Oman to reopen the strait of Hormuz is close to being finalised – as it happened

What Happened

Iran stated that an agreement with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is close to being finalized. Reports suggest Tehran would control inbound shipping entering the Gulf through the strategic waterway, while Oman would oversee outbound traffic. The strait has been effectively closed since the start of a war in February. However, Reuters reported that Iranian sources rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that a deal was imminent, noting important details remain unresolved. Iran also linked the reopening to the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. Separately, Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers with ballistic missiles, part of their maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply transits. A deal granting Iran de facto control over inbound traffic would represent a major shift in regional power dynamics and maritime law. Concurrent Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers and Iran's threat to strike Gulf energy infrastructure if targeted by the U.S. signal a multi-front escalation that could severely disrupt global energy markets and deepen the Gulf crisis.

Watch For

Finalization of the Iran-Oman deal could be announced in the coming days, but conflicting signals from Iranian officials suggest protracted negotiations. The Houthi attacks and Saudi response may escalate the Yemen front. The third day of U.S.-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome will be closely monitored after the first Israeli combat deaths since June. Trump's statements and any U.S. military moves regarding Iran's infrastructure remain key indicators.