- Iran has rejected President Donald Trump's and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's claims that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within days, saying its negotiations with Oman are not being held with US participation.
- Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said technical and political discussions with Oman had been "constructive", with frameworks for maritime traffic management to be publicized once finalized.
- Al Jazeera reported steady progress in the Oman negotiations, citing Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei; sources said an agreement is now within reach and could come by the end of Wednesday, though unnamed "disrupting actors" were accused of trying to derail it.
- Iran unveiled its own Hormuz roadmap proposing a 'middle corridor' to replace existing routes, with a deal possibly by the end of Wednesday.
- Iran's plan with Oman includes an "intermediate corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz that would replace the existing Iran-controlled northern route and the US-backed southern route.
- Several major disputes remain unresolved, including de-mining operations, sanctions relief, and the future of Iran's nuclear programme; despite Washington's optimism, Iran insists the talks are exclusively between Tehran and Muscat.
Iran has firmly rejected U.S. claims that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen imminently, emphasizing that its negotiations with Oman are independent and focused on establishing a new maritime corridor.12
According to Iranian sources, the proposed corridor aims to replace existing routes while safeguarding Iran's sovereignty. "Trump has violated his commitments, and Iran is moving forward with its plan to establish arrangements in the Strait independently of US threats," a source stated.
The talks have reportedly entered a new phase, with Iranian officials describing discussions as "constructive" and indicating that a bilateral understanding is within reach.
"Technical and political discussions have so far been constructive," said Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, highlighting the focus on safe maritime passage.3
Despite optimism from U.S. officials, Iran maintains that the negotiations are strictly between Tehran and Muscat, dismissing any direct involvement from the U.S.
The potential agreement could pave the way for broader diplomatic engagement, although significant disputes remain unresolved, including sanctions relief and security guarantees.6
"The main reason for the delay in the deal with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz is US interference and Trump’s threats," an Iranian official noted.
As the situation develops, oil prices have fluctuated, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding this critical waterway.
“Tehran says the proposed corridor would replace both the Iran-controlled northern route and the US-backed southern route, with Iran holding full authority over inbound shipping and Oman clearing outbound vessels after notifying Iranian authorities. Iran's state-run IRNA called the technical and political discussions 'constructive,' while blaming US interference and Trump's threats for delaying an agreement.”
