Key facts
- Iran is working with Oman to finalize a joint statement on managing ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- An understanding has been reached on the transit route map, which would allow ships to pass without fees.
- The U.S. condition for ending its blockade of Iranian ports is an acceptable deal on opening the strait.
- Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning a truce deal in Gaza.
- Hamas has accepted a U.S.-backed road map for a Gaza truce, including disarmament.
- Israel has rejected the road map, demanding Hamas disarm before any withdrawal.
Iran announced Monday that it is nearing the finalization of a joint statement with Oman concerning a plan to manage ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has made the full reopening of this critical waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supplies pass, a key demand. However, it remains uncertain whether the proposed agreement will meet Washington's criteria.
Iranian Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that an understanding has been reached on the transit route map, suggesting a plan where ships would enter through a route near Iran and exit near Oman without paying fees during an interim period. This development comes as a 60-day deadline for a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran expired without apparent progress.
Separately, Mideast negotiator Jared Kushner was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These discussions followed Kushner's talks with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt regarding disarmament. Netanyahu has rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point road map for a truce in Gaza, which Hamas has agreed to and is urging mediators to compel Israel to sign. Israel insists Hamas must fully disarm before any withdrawal from Gaza, where Israeli troops currently occupy about 60% of the territory.