The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an interim agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen a fragile ceasefire. The proposed arrangement could be announced as early as Wednesday, according to reports citing regional and US officials.
The plan would temporarily regulate commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. It could also provide diplomatic space for Washington and Tehran to restart negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Proposed Strait of Hormuz Deal
Under the proposed framework, Iran and Oman would establish a temporary navigation system lasting 60 days. The two countries could extend the arrangement if necessary.
The plan would direct inbound vessels through a northern shipping route in Iranian waters. Meanwhile, outbound ships would use a southern route through Omani waters while coordinating with Iran.
Commercial vessels would not face transit charges or tolls under the temporary arrangement. This provision could help ease concerns among international shipping companies.
The proposed deal also includes a major maritime security operation. Iran and Oman would work together to remove naval mines from the central shipping lane within 30 days.
Once the clearance operation finishes, authorities could reopen the central channel for two-way traffic. However, that step would depend on a broader long-term agreement between Oman and Iran.
Trump Gives Diplomacy Another Chance
The latest diplomatic initiative follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to delay a large-scale military campaign against Iran. Instead, Washington has given negotiations another opportunity to reduce tensions.
Trump has nevertheless warned that the United States could take major military action if diplomatic efforts fail.
Officials from Oman, Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reportedly participated in the wider diplomatic push. The White House has also played a central role in efforts to secure an agreement.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly held several recent discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi.
Iran Reportedly Approves Framework
Regional sources said Araghchi endorsed the proposed arrangement in principle over the weekend. However, the agreement required approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council.
According to a US official and a regional source, Iran’s leadership completed the approval process on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier said negotiations over safe passage through major international waterways had not yet concluded. However, he expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached “very shortly.”
Strait Deal Follows Months of Conflict
The renewed diplomatic effort follows months of confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The hostilities began in February after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Tehran.
Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks against Gulf states hosting American military facilities.
Both sides later agreed to a ceasefire in April. Pakistan subsequently helped broker a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the conflict.
However, the arrangement collapsed last month. Fighting continued for nearly two weeks before Trump ordered US bombardments to stop as diplomatic efforts gained momentum.
Hormuz Agreement Could Open Door to Wider Talks
The proposed navigation framework could therefore serve as more than a temporary solution for commercial shipping. By reducing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, it could create an opening for broader US-Iran negotiations.
The waterway remains vital to international energy and maritime trade. A stable navigation arrangement could reduce risks for commercial vessels while giving diplomats additional time to address deeper disputes.
For now, the proposed agreement remains dependent on final diplomatic steps. If Washington, Tehran and Muscat reach a settlement, the deal could mark a significant shift from recent military confrontation toward renewed negotiations.
