US expects deal to open Strait of Hormuz soon, official confirms

A US official told Reuters that progress has been made in negotiations between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, and that a deal is expected soon. The official said that once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports. Axios reported, citing a diplomat, that Iran's Supreme National Security Council is expected to approve a deal shortly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that progress had been made and the US was hoping for an agreement.

A US official told Reuters on Friday evening that progress has been made in negotiations between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, and that a deal is expected soon. The official said that once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports. The official added that US actions will be performance-based and tied to Iran's implementation of its commitments. Axios reported, citing a diplomat from a mediating country, that Iran's Supreme National Security Council is expected to approve a deal shortly with the US and Oman to open and oversee the Strait of Hormuz together with Oman. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made and the US was hoping for an agreement. The report follows earlier Axios reporting that the White House wanted a deal announced as early as Wednesday. The story is developing.