Iran said Monday it is working to finalize a joint statement with Oman on a plan to manage the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Fully reopening the waterway to commercial shipping has been a key demand of the United States, but it remains unclear whether the deal will meet Washington's criteria.
The announcement came as the 60-day negotiating period to find a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran was expiring, with no word of an extension.
According to the Associated Press, negotiations between Iran and Oman are aimed at stabilizing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This could help reduce tensions in the region and ensure the safety of oil shipments.
The U.S. has been demanding the full reopening of the strait, as it is crucial for the global oil market. The agreement between Iran and Oman is seen as a step towards resolving this issue.
However, the exact terms of the agreement have not yet been made public. Experts say it is difficult to assess how much this agreement meets U.S. requirements.
The Associated Press reported this news along with other events in the Middle East. These include a photo essay about Palestinians collecting iron from the rubble of buildings destroyed during the war with Hamas, using it for construction, making tents, or selling it.
Also shown was the funeral of Hezbollah member Ali al-Haj Hassan, his wife and four children, who were killed the previous day by an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut.
Additionally, a photo of Jared Kushner waiting to walk into the ring after the lightweight championship bout at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House was published.
The outcome of the negotiations between Iran and Oman is still unknown, but it could be an important step for stability in the region. Since the negotiation period between the U.S. and Iran has expired, additional time may be needed to reach a new agreement.
The Associated Press published this news on August 17, 2026. On that day, an official statement was made that Iran is trying to finalize an agreement with Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil routes in the world. About 20 million barrels of oil are transported through it daily. The closure of this strait could significantly affect global oil prices.
Iran has attempted to assert control over the strait, causing concern among the international community. The U.S. has stated its readiness to use military force to ensure freedom of navigation.
Oman is acting as a mediator in this matter, trying to facilitate negotiations between Iran and the U.S. Oman's neutral position makes it an acceptable mediator for both sides.
Although the exact terms of the agreement are still unknown, experts believe this could be an important step towards improving relations between Iran and the U.S.
The Associated Press reported this news along with other events in the Middle East. The situation in the region remains complex, and the agreement between Iran and Oman could offer hope for stability.