US Lifts Sanctions on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Aviation Amid Hormuz Strait Deal Talks

The United States has removed sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), signaling a possible goodwill gesture toward Tehran. This move comes as a senior Gulf official told CNN there is a roughly 50 percent chance of reaching a deal by Friday. The emerging temporary agreement aims to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and partially satisfy Iran's demands for control over this vital global oil transit route, reflecting Tehran's refusal to relinquish its strategic leverage.

Official negotiations are taking place between Iran and Oman, with the US playing a behind-the-scenes role. However, the Iranian delegation currently does not include representatives from the IRGC, the dominant military force and de facto ruler under the Ayatollah regime. The IRGC will need to give final approval for any deal reached. US President Donald Trump stated on the morning of the report that progress is good and a decision will be known within 48 hours, despite earlier demands for the deal to be completed the previous day.

In a Fox News interview, Trump emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon, warning that if Iran walks away from talks, it will face severe military consequences. He said, "The strait will open soon, or they will be attacked hard and then it will open," underscoring the high stakes involved in the negotiations.