Iran says talks with Oman on Strait of Hormuz in final stage

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on August 2 that talks between Tehran and Muscat over the Strait of Hormuz are in their "final stage," stressing that the strategic waterway will never return to its pre-war state.

In a Telegram post, Araghchi said a report presented to Iran's cabinet described the negotiations with Oman as "on the verge of completion." Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran and Muscat have moved closer to an agreement on a new shipping route through Hormuz, separate from existing corridors.

"We are moving toward a common understanding of a route accepted by both sides — not the northern or southern route — but one that respects both sides' sovereignty, safeguards our national interests and security," Baghaei said in an interview with state television.

Oman did not immediately comment on the matter. Both Iran and Oman have waters adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that typically carries about 20% of global oil consumption.

Details of the new route have not been released, but Iran has maintained de facto control over the strait since the war began. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes aimed at destroying Iran's missile program, preventing nuclear weapons, and cutting off support for affiliated armed groups. A ceasefire in June collapsed within weeks due to disputes over shipping lanes through Hormuz, and fighting resumed in July.

Baghaei previously said "the understanding between Iran and Oman on the new route is not related to whether the Strait of Hormuz is reopened or remains closed." He blamed the U.S. for the strait's closure and accused Washington of violating commitments, according to Iran's Fars news agency.

"The strait was closed due to U.S. violation of commitments, the naval blockade against Iran, and all hostile actions the U.S. took against the Islamic Republic of Iran during this period," he said.

Hassam Ghashghavi, spokesman for the Iranian parliament's national security committee, said mediators are trying to revive the June memorandum of understanding with the U.S. and are aware that Hormuz remains a central issue. He said an Iranian delegation could visit Muscat again as part of diplomatic efforts.

The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump said early on August 2 that the U.S. and Israel had agreed to halt new strikes on Iran on condition that a deal to end the months-long conflict be reached "quickly."

Trump wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. was "ready to act against the Islamic Republic of Iran," but Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations requested a postponement of new strikes. "At this request, I have agreed, for the future of the WORLD and the existence of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, provided an AGREEMENT can be reached quickly."

The deal, according to Trump, "will include the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE OPENING OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ and an end to Iran's nuclear threat." "Israel has joined this commitment with me. Let's all work together and GET IT DONE," he wrote.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump by phone on August 1, calling for "prioritizing dialogue" and "de-escalation," according to the Saudi Press Agency. U.S. news site Axios reported that MBS expressed concerns about plans for a new large-scale strike on Iran and urged Trump to show restraint.

Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said Iran is receiving "two-way messages" from the U.S. as President Trump both hinted at possible confrontation and said negotiations are progressing well and a deal could be reached. "On Iran's side, they are also responding with similar two-way messages, saying the diplomatic path is open, while maintaining full readiness for another round of confrontation," he added.