On Monday, Iran revealed its ongoing efforts with Oman to seal a joint statement aimed at regulating ship transit through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this crucial maritime route to commercial vessels has consistently been a significant demand from the United States. However, whether the prospective agreement will satisfy Washington’s requirements remains uncertain.
This announcement coincided with the looming expiration of the 60-day negotiation window intended to broker a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. As the deadline approached, there was no indication of an extension, and it appeared as though both nations remained as divided as they were when discussions began two months prior.
Here’s an update on the latest events unfolding in the conflict involving Iran and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. For extensive analysis, continue to explore our in-depth coverage here.
Iran declares it is close to finalizing an agreement with Oman regarding a strategic plan for shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, Iran announced reaching a preliminary consensus with Oman about facilitating ship passage via the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway nestled between these two nations. Currently, both parties are engaged in concluding the finer details for a forthcoming joint declaration.
Iranian Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that “an understanding has been reached regarding the map of the transit route.”
He did not elaborate, but details that have previously emerged suggest the deal would reopen the strait with ships entering through a route close to Iran and exiting through a route close to Oman. Ships would transit without paying fees or tolls during the interim period.
The U.S. has sought an acceptable deal on opening the strait before ending its blockade of Iranian ports and it was not clear whether this would meet Washington’s expectations.
Iran effectively closed the strait — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies passed before the war — after Israel and the U.S. attacked the country on Feb. 28.
Baghaei conceded the talks with Oman have gone slowly, “but we had planned, and still plan, to finalize the understanding in the form of a package: the map plus a joint statement.”
His comments came as a 60-day deadline for finding an agreement to end the war expired, with no signs of a deal between the U.S. and Iran.
Kushner meeting with Netanyahu as he seeks approval of Gaza road map
Mideast negotiator Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, was holding meetings with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the day after he had talks with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on disarmament.
The meetings with Netanyahu come after the Israeli leader rejected a 15-point, U.S.-backed road map to move the truce deal forward in Gaza.
Hamas says it has agreed to the road map, which includes disarmament, and the group is urging mediators and the U.S.-created Board of Peace to “compel” Israel to sign on as well.
But Israel, which under the road map must withdraw from Gaza, says Hamas must fully disarm before any Israeli withdrawal will occur.
Israeli troops occupy about 60% of the strip and Netanyahu has previously threatened to advance further.
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