Iran-Oman talks on Strait of Hormuz progress
Negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the establishment of safe shipping lanes have progressed, though a final agreement remains elusive. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that talks have advanced, and Washington hopes for a final deal "very soon." Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the discussions with Muscat as "positive" at both political and technical levels, focusing on organizing safe passage. He noted that the two nations are reviewing secure transit routes and management mechanisms for the strategic waterway. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran and Oman are discussing an interim mechanism where Iran would maintain full control over inbound vessels, while outbound ships would transit through a corridor between Iran and Oman. Under this proposal, Oman would issue transit permits for outbound ships after notifying Iran, allowing Tehran to monitor and potentially intervene. The source indicated that Iran is unlikely to accept any alternative plan. President Donald Trump cancelled a planned military strike last weekend after Arab allies urged him to avoid a large-scale conflict, shifting his focus to diplomatic solutions. Trump stated from the Oval Office that two-stage negotiations regarding the Strait and the dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme are imminent, describing the process as the "last chance before the axe falls." Iranian officials have rejected direct talks with the US, insisting that discussions are limited to maritime routes mediated by Oman. Trump responded by calling Iranian leaders "incredibly duplicitous" and stated that the US naval blockade would continue until a deal is reached or total surrender occurs. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that a deal to reopen the Strait could be reached "today or tomorrow," attributing Iran's return to the negotiating table to Trump's threat of the largest military mobilization since World War II. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that a cargo ship was attacked 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports also emerged of a projectile striking a dry bulk carrier, leaving one person missing. Previously, an Indian vessel capsized near Yemeni waters after being hit by a projectile; all 14 crew members were reportedly rescued. Additionally, i24NEWS reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a US base in Kuwait with three drones in an overnight attack. A source confirmed the use of three drones, though no further details regarding damage or casualties have been released.