Iran Says Hormuz Strait Negotiations With Oman Near Completion Amid US De-escalation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that negotiations with Oman regarding the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages. These talks aim to establish a mutual mechanism for passage through the strait, though the agreement will not determine whether the strait will be open or closed. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai emphasized that the situation in Hormuz will not revert to its pre-conflict state and described ongoing discussions about a new transit route that would avoid the northern and southern paths. This proposal, previously rejected by Iran, suggests a middle route with equal control split between Iran and Oman.

The announcement follows US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel a planned military strike against Iran, citing progress in diplomatic talks and requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries for more time to finalize negotiations. Trump outlined that the emerging framework includes the immediate and full opening of the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping and measures to end Iran's nuclear threat. He stressed that the cancellation of the strike is conditional on continued progress and that military options remain if talks fail.

Trump also noted that the United States and Israel are coordinating closely on the diplomatic efforts and urged all involved parties to accelerate negotiations to reach an agreement. The developments come despite Saudi Arabia's opposition, as it had previously pushed the US toward military action against Iran.