Washington is expressing optimism that talks involving Iran and Oman will soon restore safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil supplies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC there is “a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict,” saying any agreement would ensure freedom of movement rather than allow Iran to charge tolls. His comments echoed President Donald Trump, who said progress in talks had led him to hold off on further military strikes while negotiators work on a framework to reopen the waterway.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is “involved” in negotiations between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing safe traffic through the strait, noting that around 20 per cent of global oil shipments passed through the route before the war. He added that “progress” has been made but no final agreement has been reached, with diplomatic sources suggesting a deal is possible by the end of Wednesday.cnbc+2
The optimism came hours after the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that an unnamed cargo vessel had been hit by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, underlining the risks to shipping while talks continue. Iran, meanwhile, has publicly denied negotiating directly with the US, saying its talks are with Oman on ensuring safe passage, even as Washington frames the potential agreement as a key step toward easing the wider conflict.
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