Oman says Hormuz talks progressing as Iran ties full reopening to conditions

Oman's foreign ministry said on Saturday that talks with Iran over a deal to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were progressing positively, while cautioning against any attacks on vessels that could disrupt the process. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations had reached their final stages, though he stressed that a full reopening of the strait still depended on additional conditions being met.

Iran has effectively blockaded the narrow waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and gas usually passes, since US and Israeli strikes began in February. Recent discussions have centred on a possible arrangement between Iran and Oman for a new route through the strait, jointly managed by both countries, in hopes of restarting shipping traffic.

Conditions attached

Araghchi indicated that a complete reopening would also require compensation from the US for what Tehran views as violations of the June ceasefire memorandum of understanding, which collapsed within days after both sides resumed attacks. Iran's security chief, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, added that the strait would stay closed until the US meets six Iranian demands, including ending threats against Iran, lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this week that a deal could come soon, but Vice-President JD Vance struck a more cautious tone, saying the process was still under way and that diplomatic, economic and military tools were being applied. He also dismissed reports that Iran planned to charge ships a toll for crossing the strait.

Tensions were underscored by a UAE announcement that Iran had struck an Adnoc-affiliated tanker with a missile in the strait, though no casualties were reported. Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a ship off Oman's coast was hit by an unidentified projectile, sparking a fire that was later extinguished.