Strait of Hormuz deal imminent: Is US prepared to back bigger role for Iran? Explained

Published 6 August 2026 · world

A proposed shipping arrangement between Iran and Oman for the Strait of Hormuz has turned attention to whether the United States is willing to accept

A proposed shipping arrangement between Iran and Oman for the Strait of Hormuz has turned attention to whether the United States is willing to accept a larger role for Tehran in one of the world's most strategically important waterways. Iran and Oman are close to finalising a temporary agreement on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with officials from both countries indicating that a deal could be announced soon. The discussions come as both Iran and the US have signalled progress towards an understanding over the crucial waterway. An Iranian government official linked to the agreement told MS NOW that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would involve “no fees or tolls” under the temporary arrangement agreed between Tehran and Muscat. The official said the deal would cover all inbound traffic through Iranian territorial waters and outbound vessels using a route closer to Oman. Also Read | Treasury yields fall as oil dips on Strait of Hormuz hopes The official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said the arrangement was aimed at allowing talks to return to the ceasefire and memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States in mid-June, starting another 60-day period of negotiations, reported CNBC.

The official also said that the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the US would be involved in announcing the agreement. Also Read | Trump Fuels Hopes of Hormuz Reopening With Hints a Deal is Near Another Gulf government official told MS NOW that the arrangement had been endorsed by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Iran says agreement with Oman nearing completion Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said an understanding had been reached on most issues related to the proposed shipping arrangement, including maritime routes. “An understanding in principle has been reached on almost all the raised issues, including the map for maritime traffic entry and exit routes,” Gharibabadi told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Wednesday. He said the arrangement could remain valid for “two to four months”. Also Read | Israel will prevent nuclear Iran says Netanyahu However, Gharibabadi cautioned that the agreement between Tehran and Muscat would not automatically mean the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A bilateral deal with Oman “does not mean the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz", he said. Gharibabadi also said the US was ready to “return to commitments”, while denying that negotiations with Washington were taking place during the current discussions.