Iran working to finalize Hormuz agreement with Oman, and other news from the Middle East

Iran is reportedly nearing an agreement with Oman on managing the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement made by Tehran on Monday. The joint statement aims to reopen the waterway, which has been closed since February 28 due to Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran. The deal would see ships entering through a route near Iran and exiting near Oman, with no fees or tolls during the interim period.

However, it remains uncertain whether the agreement will satisfy U.S. demands for a fully reopened strait. The 60-day negotiation window to reach a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire without any extension, and both parties appear to be as far apart as they were two months ago.