A US official said Friday that progress is being made between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz and that a deal is expected soon. The official, speaking to Reuters, said the United States will lift its blockade of Iranian ports once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments.
While the official did not give details of the agreement, analysts suggest the emerging deal will recognize Iran's control over the strategic waterway, with the US likely accepting that control without explicitly acknowledging it. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption there has significant economic consequences.
The potential deal comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over shipping rights and regional influence. Neither Iran nor Oman has publicly commented on the reported progress.