Oman, Iran, benefiting from lull in US strikes, approach deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz - report

Oman and Iran have accelerated talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid a lull in US strikes on Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that a temporary agreement would allow safe passage for ships, though the US is not directly involved. Disagreements remain, including transit fees. Trump halted strikes on Friday after nearly two weeks of attacks on Iranian maritime and military assets.

Oman and Iran have accelerated negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, capitalizing on a lull in US military strikes against Iran. According to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday, the two countries created a draft agreement over the weekend that would allow ships to pass safely through the strategic waterway. Oman is keeping Washington informed of the talks, but the US is not directly involved. The temporary deal is not intended to end the broader US-Iran conflict, but mediators hope it will reduce tensions and pave the way for more comprehensive negotiations. However, significant disagreements remain, including whether Iran will charge transit fees for vessels passing through the strait. The talks gained momentum after US President Donald Trump halted strikes on Iran on Friday evening, ending nearly two weeks of attacks that targeted Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets, according to CENTCOM. An Omani delegation traveled to Tehran on Friday night to begin discussions, and both sides have reported progress.