Hormuz deal ‘close’: What’s the latest on each side’s positions?

Lead

Negotiations between Iran, Oman, and the United States appear close to reaching an agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to recent statements reported by Al Jazeera. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told the outlet that Tehran and Muscat were “on the verge of finalising” a deal establishing a new commercial shipping corridor through the strategic waterway, which transports about one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies in peacetime.

The proposed agreement is meant to restore the June 17 ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and resolve the crisis over the strait, which has remained largely closed since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. During a press briefing, Baghaei said that if “certain third parties do not obstruct the process,” the two countries are “in the final stage of reviewing and drafting a joint statement covering the main points of agreement”. US President Donald Trump, for his part, struck an optimistic tone, telling reporters on Tuesday that negotiations were “moving along very nicely” and that “it will be very soon” before the strait reopens.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera frames the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz as a direct consequence of the US-Iran conflict, with the waterway becoming a major flashpoint since US and Israeli strikes began. The outlet outlines the positions of all three parties: Iran maintains that discussions are being conducted through Oman, the US demands unrestricted navigation, and Oman acts as a mediator. Al Jazeera also emphasizes the broader economic stakes, noting that the strait carries a significant share of global oil and LNG supplies, and that its closure has sent energy prices soaring.

Key Claims

Iran and Oman are close to finalising an agreement on the commercial shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The planned deal would restore the ceasefire and officially reopen the strait. According to Al Jazeera, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, which the US President described as a framework for a broader peace deal. Iran and Oman have already agreed on coordinates for the shipping routes, while the US demands total and unfettered freedom of navigation, free of Iranian tolls or any condition requiring ships to seek Tehran’s permission. By contrast, Iran has intimated that it intends to introduce some form of transit fee. The underlying dispute over the strait is directly linked to the US-backed military action that intensified in late February, according to the outlet’s reporting.

Positions

Iran

Iran maintains that its interactions on the strait are being conducted via Oman, not directly with Washington. Esmaeil Baghaei said that talks with Muscat are “moving forward” but anticipates that the agreement’s final form could be undermined by “third parties”. An open waterway is central to Iran’s economic and strategic interests, and the statement implies a willingness to facilitate the recommencement of trade.

United States

President Trump has repeatedly threatened military force in the event of a standoff, but continues to seek a diplomatic resolution. He has indicated that the strait either reopens or faces American military response: “The strait will be open very soon, or they’ll be hit very hard.” The US prior to the planned accord refuses to accept any Iranian-imposed tolls or navigation permits, demanding complete commercial freedom as a condition of reopening the waterway.