US says deal on reopening Hormuz close as Iran, Oman hold ‘positive’ talks

Core Impact Points

• US officials say an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as today or tomorrow.
• Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described talks with Oman as 'positive' and focused on establishing safe shipping lanes.
• The Strait of Hormuz has become a key sticking point in negotiations between the US and Iran, with officials seeking a mechanism to allow shipping to resume safely.
• Oman has been mediating the discussions, with the US involved in the negotiations while Iran maintains it is negotiating with Oman rather than directly with the US.
• Regional diplomacy has intensified, with Qatar's Emir holding a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
• Pakistan has also sought to support mediation efforts, inviting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks.