U.S., Iran and Oman discuss 60-day interim opening of Strait of Hormuz

2026-08-05

Interim deal targeted for announcement on the 5th

The U.S.-based news site Axios reported on the 4th that the United States, Iran and Oman are expected to soon reach an interim agreement on opening the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration is aiming to announce the deal on the 5th.

The interim agreement is expected to last 60 days. Ships bound for the Persian Gulf would use the northern shipping lane controlled by Iran, while vessels heading to the Arabian Sea would use the southern lane controlled by Oman. No transit fees would be charged.

As for mines in the center of the strait, the aim is to remove them within 30 days. After the work is completed, the proposal would allow ships to pass through the strait under a permanent agreement.

Gap remains over shipping route claims

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported on the 5th that even if an agreement on transit is reached between Iran and Oman, it would not lead to the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Even if some kind of deal is reached, it remains unclear whether normal navigation will be restored.

The interim proposal reported by Axios would recognize Iran's position that it holds management rights over the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has called for a return to conditions in which ships can sail freely, but Iran has not backed away from its position of maintaining effective control of the strait.

Press TV, Iran's state-run English-language broadcaster, reported on the 4th that in talks with Oman, a proposal has emerged to abolish the northern and southern shipping lanes and establish a new route in the center of the strait. It said talks are under way on setting up a route that would guarantee Iran's sovereignty.

Spokesman Baghaei said on the 4th that talks with Oman were receiving 'a positive assessment' and indicated that they were progressing smoothly. He is seen as seeking to advance the establishment of a new route with Oman, which lies across the strait, and strengthen Iran's asserted control of the waterway.

Mismatch on U.S. involvement

President Donald Trump told reporters in Los Angeles on the 4th that 'the negotiations went very well.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said the same day that 'negotiations in which we are involved' were under way between Iran and Oman, expressing hope for a deal.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with CNBC that an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached 'today or tomorrow.'

Iran, however, has denied holding talks with the United States. Baghaei said at a press conference on the 3rd that 'we are not negotiating with the United States,' and said that even if talks with Oman advance, they would not necessarily lead directly to the Strait of Hormuz opening as the United States wants.

On June 17, the United States and Iran exchanged a memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and later agreed to hold talks to seek a final agreement within 60 days. As the deadline approaches, the United States appears poised to prioritize reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for energy shipments from Gulf states.

Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network!