Axios: The United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran, with mediation by the Sultanate of Oman, are nearing a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a move aimed at stabilizing a ceasefire between the two sides and resuming negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, according to Axios, citing two regional sources and a U.S. official.
The website reported that the U.S. administration targeted Wednesday for announcing the agreement, should it be finalized, following weeks of negotiations. It noted that U.S. President Donald Trump decided last Saturday to postpone his threats of a broad bombing campaign against Iran to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed, while keeping the military option open if negotiations fail.
According to Axios, the draft agreement under discussion includes a temporary 60-day arrangement between Oman and Iran, with the possibility of extension. It would regulate navigation in the Strait of Hormuz so that ships bound for the Gulf pass through a northern route within Iranian waters, while ships departing for the Arabian Sea follow a southern route within Omani waters, in coordination with Iran.
The draft also stipulates that no fees or taxes will be imposed during the agreement’s duration, and that naval mines will be cleared from the strait’s central corridor within 30 days, the site reported.
Axios explained that the White House, Omani mediators, and regional partners had believed three weeks ago that they had reached a similar understanding, but Iran resumed attacks on ships, leading to two weeks of fighting that nearly triggered a full-scale war before diplomatic communications resumed.
The report added that officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan participated in mediation efforts alongside the Sultanate of Oman. U.S. President’s envoy Steve Witkoff held recent contacts with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi.
Citing two regional sources, Axios reported that Araghchi agreed in principle to the deal over the weekend but was awaiting final approvals within Iran’s leadership.
A U.S. official and a regional source told Axios that Iran’s leadership completed its approval procedures on Tuesday, paving the way for an announcement of the agreement unless last-minute developments occur.
No official announcement has been made so far by Washington or Tehran confirming the deal, and some details remain under negotiation, according to other sources familiar with the talks.
