The United States, Iran, and Oman are finalizing an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, according to reports from Axios and The Associated Press. The proposed 60‑day deal would restore a ceasefire, resume nuclear talks, and establish new shipping lanes under Iranian and Omani supervision.
Axios reported Wednesday that the agreement could be announced as early as Wednesday. Under the plan, inbound ships would use an Iranian‑controlled lane, while outbound traffic would be routed through an Omani‑supervised lane. Within 30 days, the parties would clear naval mines from the median lane, which would eventually serve two‑way traffic under a permanent arrangement between Tehran and Muscat. No tolls would be charged during the 60‑day period, though AP reported that payments for security and environmental preservation are envisioned. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that discussions were “very good” but warned Iran would be “hit very hard” if the strait is not reopened “very soon.” Trump had called off a planned attack on Iran on Saturday, citing progress toward a diplomatic solution.
Fighting resumed last month after a dispute over the strait derailed a 14‑point memorandum that had established a temporary ceasefire. That agreement aimed to pave the way for a permanent settlement of a conflict that began with a U.S.‑Israeli attack on Iran in late February. The White House has been actively involved, with multiple calls between Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al‑Busaidi.
Iran denies holding direct talks with Washington, saying it communicates only with Oman. Araghchi said negotiations with Oman were “nearing completion,” while Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called them a bilateral matter that “does not concern any other party.” Baghaei stressed that a Tehran‑Muscat deal would “not mean the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” blaming the closure on “American treaty‑breaking, the naval blockade of Iran, and the series of disruptive actions Washington has carried out against the Islamic Republic.”
The Strait of Hormuz carries about one‑fifth of the world’s seaborne oil, making its status critical to global energy markets. The interim deal would mark a significant de‑escalation, though Iran’s insistence that any arrangement with Oman does not constitute a reopening underscores the fragility of the process. The next 30 days will test whether the parties can translate the framework into lasting stability.
