US, Iran and Oman Reportedly Near Interim Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly on the verge of reaching an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal announcement expected as early as Wednesday, according to a report by Axios citing two regional sources and a US official. The proposed arrangement follows weeks of negotiations aimed at restoring the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and paving the way for renewed talks on Iran’s nuclear program. US President Donald Trump said negotiations were ongoing, adding that he wanted to give Iran “one last chance” before any potentially devastating military action.

According to the report, the draft agreement would accommodate some of Iran’s demands regarding greater control over maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway. Under a proposed 60-day temporary arrangement between Iran and Oman, which could be extended, all vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz would transit via the northern shipping lane passing through Iranian waters. Outbound traffic heading toward the Arabian Sea would use the southern lane through Omani waters in coordination with Iran. No tolls or transit fees would be imposed during the interim period.

The report further stated that Iran and Oman would work over the next 30 days to clear naval mines from the central shipping lane of the strait. Once cleared, the middle lane would be incorporated into a permanent traffic management framework jointly administered by the two countries for both inbound and outbound vessels. The proposed arrangement follows earlier statements by an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader insisting that Tehran would not permit any alternative route in the Strait of Hormuz without its approval.

Regional sources told Axios that Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia participated in mediation efforts alongside Oman, while the White House remained actively engaged throughout the negotiations. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister reportedly held several telephone conversations in recent days. The sources said Araghchi had agreed to the framework in principle over the weekend, pending approval from Iran’s senior leadership and the Supreme National Security Council. According to a US official and a regional source, the Iranian leadership completed the approval process on Tuesday, bringing the interim agreement close to finalization.