Iran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US may announce a deal today
The US, Iran, and Oman have come close to a temporary agreement to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington hopes to announce the deal as early as Wednesday, August 5.
This is reported by Axios, citing two regional interlocutors and an American official. The agreement is meant to restore a ceasefire between the US and Iran and create conditions for resuming talks on the Iranian nuclear program.
The proposed arrangement will be in effect for 60 days with the possibility of extension. Vessels entering the Persian Gulf will use a northern corridor through Iranian waters. Outbound traffic toward the Arabian Sea will use a southern route through Omani waters — in coordination with Tehran.
During the temporary period, no tolls or other fees are planned to be levied on ships. The parties also have 30 days to clear the central shipping lane of the strait of mines.
Once cleared of mines, it is planned to be used for two-way traffic. Oman and Iran are to agree on the terms of a permanent shipping regime during further negotiations.
According to Axios, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi agreed to the main provisions of the proposal as early as the weekend, but he needed approval from the country’s supreme leadership and the Supreme National Security Council. The Iranian side completed its internal approval process on Tuesday.
Representatives of the US and Oman took part in the talks, and Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia also joined the mediation efforts. Several phone conversations took place in recent days between US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Araghchi, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
US President Donald Trump stated in a short interview with Fox News that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened shortly. At the same time, he threatened Iran with powerful strikes if Tehran walks away from the agreements.
Trump claimed that the US was preparing a large-scale military operation but agreed to continue talks after being contacted by the Iranian side. According to him, Washington and Tehran are having “very good discussions,” but the outcome will depend on Iran’s concrete actions.
A final agreement has not yet been announced. About three weeks ago, the White House and regional mediators already believed a deal had been reached, but Iran resumed attacks on ships. After that, hostilities continued for another two weeks, bringing the parties to the brink of a wider war.
