Iran says negotiations with Oman over Strait of Hormuz in final stages

What Happened

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Telegram that negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are entering their 'final stages'. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told state television that Tehran and Muscat are close to agreeing on a new maritime route through the strait, distinct from existing corridors, that respects both sides' sovereign rights and national interests. The announcement came hours after US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US and Israel had agreed to halt new attacks on Iran in hopes of a rapid deal that would include the 'Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT' and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian separately described a memorandum of understanding with the US as a 'cornerstone' of future foreign relations, while a parliament spokesman indicated mediators were trying to revive the June ceasefire deal. The US and Israel launched strikes on February 28 against Iran's missile programme, nuclear ambitions and support for allied groups; a June ceasefire collapsed over Hormuz shipping routes and fighting reignited in July.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil consumption transits. Iran's effective control of the strait since the outbreak of conflict—and the US-Israeli strikes in February—have heightened tensions and disrupted shipping. A bilateral Iran-Oman agreement on a new route could reshape the legal and security landscape of the waterway, potentially undermining US-led efforts to force a reopening on terms that end Iran's nuclear programme and support for allied groups.

Watch For

Whether Iran and Oman finalise and publicly outline the new maritime route; whether Trump's rapid-deal condition materialises into formal negotiations or renewed ultimatums; the revival of the June memorandum of understanding, possibly involving an Iranian delegation returning to Muscat; and any further diplomatic interventions by Saudi Arabia or other regional actors.