Iran and Oman near agreement on Hormuz route as US calls off planned strikes

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman reported that Tehran and Oman are close to finalising a new navigation corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to balance both sides' sovereign interests. The statement came shortly after President Donald Trump said the United States and Israel would suspend additional attacks on Iran, citing a request from regional actors to hold off while a deal is negotiated. Trump added that any agreement must include the immediate, complete opening of the strait and an end to Iran's alleged nuclear threat.

Iranian parliamentarian Hassan Ghashghavi noted that mediators are trying to revive the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, which was intended as a stepping stone toward a broader settlement. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the enemy to honor its commitments, while foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that the prospective accord does not equate to a full reopening of the waterway. The dispute over Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, had previously prompted renewed strikes after Iran rejected alternative shipping lanes. Tracking firm Kpler observed a significant drop in vessel movements through the strait.