Iran says Hormuz deal with Oman in final stage as Trump hints at breakthrough

Tehran signals progress on Hormuz agreement

Iran announced on Thursday that a deal with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages, raising hopes for a de-escalation of tensions in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The announcement came as US President Donald Trump hinted at a possible breakthrough in the standoff.

According to Iranian officials, the agreement would see Tehran take control of inbound traffic through the strait, while outbound vessels would remain under Omani oversight. The precise terms have not been publicly detailed, but the framework appears designed to address long-standing security concerns raised by both sides.

Oman's role as a mediator

Oman has historically played the role of a discreet mediator in regional disputes, maintaining channels of communication with both Tehran and Washington. The sultanate's proximity to the strait — which sits between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman — makes it a natural partner for any arrangement governing the waterway.

Sources familiar with the talks suggest that Omani diplomats have been shuttling between Iranian and US officials for weeks, trying to bridge differences over navigation rights and inspection protocols. The latest statements from Tehran indicate that those efforts may be nearing fruition.

Trump hints at a shift

In remarks made on the same day, Trump suggested that a resolution could be on the horizon, describing the ongoing negotiations as "productive." He did not provide specifics but hinted that the US was prepared to ease pressure if Iran followed through on its commitments.

The president's comments come amid reports that a massive US military strike on Iranian targets was called off at the last minute. A Times of India report quoted Trump as calling it the "biggest attack since World War II," though no official confirmation of such a plan has been made public.

A narrow window for diplomacy

The apparent thaw in relations follows months of heightened rhetoric and military posturing in the region. The strait handles roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, and any disruption would have immediate repercussions for energy markets worldwide.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the waterway in response to US sanctions and military pressure, while Washington has vowed to keep it open by force if necessary. The emerging deal with Oman could offer a face-saving off-ramp for both sides, though details remain murky.

Analysts caution that final-stage negotiations are often the most fragile, with last-minute disagreements capable of derailing months of work. The involvement of Oman as a neutral arbiter, however, adds a layer of credibility that has been missing in previous rounds of talks.

What to watch next

All eyes will be on the coming days as diplomats finalise the text of the agreement. If signed, it would mark the first formal arrangement governing the strait in decades, potentially setting a precedent for future maritime security cooperation in the region. The world will be watching to see whether the final stage truly leads to a lasting breakthrough or yet another false dawn.