Key facts
- President Trump claimed direct negotiations with Iran were underway at Iran's request.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry denied any direct negotiations with Washington were ongoing.
- Qatar confirmed ongoing US-Iran negotiations and mediation efforts.
- A cargo vessel was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman’s coast near the Strait of Hormuz.
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a deal to open the strait could be imminent.
- Oman is reportedly resisting a proposal that would give Iran a say over sea routes in Omani waters.
Conflicting statements from the US and Iran regarding ongoing negotiations have created uncertainty, further compounded by an attack on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump asserted that direct talks with Iran were in progress, initiated at Iran's request and representing Tehran's "last chance" to secure a deal. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry denied these claims, stating no direct negotiations or planned meetings with Washington were occurring. Qatar has corroborated that diplomatic efforts are ongoing with all parties involved.
Amidst these conflicting reports, a cargo vessel was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman’s coast close to the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which approximately a fifth of global oil and liquified natural gas typically pass.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that mediation efforts by Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman were continuing and in progressive stages, focusing on avoiding escalation and reopening the strait. He stated there were no direct talks planned between the US and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated progress in discussions but no final agreement had been reached, expressing hope for a resolution shortly. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a deal could be imminent.
Regional diplomats involved in the talks said that Oman was under concerted US, European and Saudi pressure to accept a temporary scheme that would allow shipping to enter the Gulf via a route through the strait close to Iran, and then leave on a southern route along the Omani coast, which would be jointly controlled with Iran. The contentious issue of Iran’s demand to charge transiting vessels tolls or other fees would be left to be decided during a 60-day negotiating period, during which time Iran’s nuclear programme would also be addressed. The Omani government has been resisting the Hormuz proposal out of fear it could become permanent and give Tehran an enduring say over sea routes in Omani waters, according to the diplomats. The talks are complicated by splits in Tehran, with the foreign ministry keen to do a deal and regime hardliners opposing it on the grounds that the US administration cannot be trusted to deliver the financial benefits promised in return for opening the strait.