Iran says Oman deal is in 'final stages' but US must act to open Hormuz

Iran announced on Sunday that a deal with Oman regarding new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz was nearing completion, though it emphasized the need for the United States to fulfill additional conditions before the strait could reopen. The US official disclosed on Friday that an agreement between Iran and Oman was imminent, potentially restoring the waterway, which previously carried a fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that the agreement was in its final stages but reiterated that reopening the strait would depend on meeting other specified conditions, which could include US compensation for Iran's past attacks and an end to sanctions. Iran and the US have not initiated direct talks, and Tehran has ruled out starting them as long as Washington violates the interim deal signed in June.

The US has been conducting airstrikes on Iran, aiming to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons or threatening the region with missiles or proxies. In July, the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in the Gulf, which Tehran deemed a breach of the truce. The US official mentioned that the US actions would be contingent on Iran's adherence to its commitments.

The conditions for reopening Hormuz include US compensation for Iran's attacks, cessation of threats against Iran, lifting the blockade and sanctions, and freeing Iranian assets. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that Iran had attacked a ship affiliated with its state oil company, while the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan, emphasizing that the attack occurred two days after Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan.