Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Talks With Oman Are Nearing a Deal on August 5

Iran said on August 5 that negotiations with Oman over an arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz had reached the final stage, while U.S. officials described a possible agreement as close but unresolved.

Iran said it was in the final stage of drafting an agreement with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz. A day earlier, reports said Iran and Oman had made progress toward a deal to reopen the waterway, with Iranian state media indicating that final results would be announced after the negotiations concluded.

A reopening arrangement could reduce the immediate threat to vessels using the route and ease pressure created by the shipping disruption. But those benefits remain prospective. Authorities had not confirmed an operational resumption of shipping as of August 5, so the waterway should not yet be described as reopened.