On 4 August, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made in talks between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, but no final agreement had yet been reached. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal could be reached within days, while Iranian officials described the discussions as positive and ongoing. The talks, mediated by Oman with indirect involvement from the United States, are focused on establishing safe inbound and outbound shipping routes through the strategic waterway, which has become a key issue in efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions had covered mechanisms for reopening the strait, maritime service fees and security arrangements. Diplomatic sources said a temporary agreement under discussion could give Iran control over parts of the routes used by vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, including an inbound route through Iranian waters and sections of an outbound route. Mediators from Oman, Pakistan and Qatar are working to finalise the terms, although the details remain unclear. Rubio said the strait remains open and vessels are continuing to transit, but Washington is seeking an arrangement that would allow more ships to pass safely …
