Key facts
- Iran and Oman are nearing a deal regarding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- An Iranian official blamed U.S. interference and Donald Trump's threats for delays in the deal.
- Marco Rubio confirmed progress in the talks but stated no final agreement has been reached.
- Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb remained steady.
- A cargo ship was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran stated that any agreement with Oman would not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing a deal concerning shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy transit. The proposed agreement could involve Iran controlling inbound traffic and Oman overseeing outbound traffic. U.S. officials have confirmed progress in the negotiations but indicated that no final agreement has been reached. An Iranian official attributed delays to U.S. interference and threats from Donald Trump, emphasizing that talks are exclusively between Tehran and Muscat.
Despite diplomatic discussions, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb remained steady. Eight vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, including five tankers and three bulk carriers. In the Bab el-Mandeb, 20 vessels crossed. Amidst these developments, a cargo ship was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, sustaining damage.
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that any agreement with Oman on shipping routes would not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a source stating that its reopening depends on a change in U.S. behavior.