Iran and Oman Near Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Control Amid US Pressure

US President Donald Trump has insisted that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, possibly as soon as Wednesday, though no official announcement has yet been made. CNN reported the announcement might be delayed until Friday, with a Gulf source estimating a 50-50 chance of reaching an agreement by then. In a possible goodwill gesture toward Tehran, the US Treasury removed sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The negotiations focus on a temporary arrangement granting Iran partial control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Official talks are between Iran and Oman, but the US is also involved. A senior Gulf official told CNN that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the regime’s dominant military force, are not part of the negotiating team but must approve any final deal. Trump said on Fox News that the strait will reopen soon or Iran will face severe attacks if it walks away from talks.

An Iranian official told Al Jazeera that only one or two issues remain unresolved and are solvable, emphasizing that any closure or reopening depends on Washington’s actions. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that geographic features of the strait’s routes have been agreed with Oman, with a joint statement pending unless a "third party" interferes. Iran insists on maintaining control over the strait under any agreement.

US officials expect a deal similar to a June memorandum of understanding, which included a ceasefire and reopening of the strait, followed by negotiations on more complex issues like Iran’s nuclear program. An Iranian security-political source told Al Mayadeen that the talks have reached advanced stages, including a system to register all ship movements through the strait, allowing Iran to exert full control and prevent incidents.

Reports indicate Saudi Arabia is also involved in discussions, with US envoy Steve Witkoff recently meeting Iranian and Omani foreign ministers. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has tentatively agreed to the emerging deal, pending approval from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iran’s National Security Council. US Senator Marco Rubio expressed optimism about progress but cautioned it is too early to declare a final agreement.

According to the New York Times, the deal would designate northern routes near Iran for inbound ships and southern routes near Oman for outbound vessels. Iran plans to charge a "service fee" to cover environmental and security costs, with revenues split equally with Oman. Prior to recent conflicts, the strait was an open international waterway, handling one-fifth of global oil and gas consumption. Iran’s blockade and attacks on ships have escalated tensions, prompting this negotiation for a temporary 60-day reopening without fees, while future management terms are discussed. The agreement faltered previously when Iran continued attacks on ships using the southern route near Oman, which does not demand fees.