Oman says Hormuz talks progressing as Iran warns on strait

Oman said positive talks are underway with Iran to secure a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz even as Tehran warned any deal would not immediately reopen the vital waterway.

The Omani foreign ministry said discussions were progressing on Saturday but gave no timeline for a final agreement. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said talks were in the final stages yet stressed full reopening of the strait depends on “other conditions.” He cited compensation demands from the US for alleged violations of a June ceasefire deal that collapsed within days. Oman warned against attacks on shipping that could derail progress.

Iran’s security chief, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, told the Tasnim news agency the strait will stay closed until the US meets six demands. Those include ending threats against Iran, lifting the naval blockade of Iranian ports, and releasing frozen assets. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have blockaded Saudi ports in the Red Sea since July 20. US President Donald Trump said a deal “could be soon,” but Vice-President JD Vance told Fox News the situation remains fluid. “We’re really in the middle of the game here,” Vance said. “This thing is not over.”

Analysts say the main sticking point is Iran’s reported plan to charge vessels for passage. Vance claimed the same volume of oil will still leave the Gulf despite the US military operation that began in late February, though he offered no details. Oman is pushing for a new route under shared Iranian-Omani control to reduce attacks and restore shipping. The strait normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Any deal would need to address Iran’s security demands while ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels. The next round of talks could reveal whether a breakthrough is possible or if regional tensions will keep the strait shut.