Iran and Oman Nearing 60-Day Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal and Omani Mediation Efforts

Diplomatic talks between Tehran and the Sultanate of Oman have advanced toward a temporary framework regulating vessel traffic through the strategic waterway. The proposed 60-day mechanism would route inbound shipping through a northern corridor inside Iranian waters while outbound traffic would navigate a southern corridor in Omani waters, according to regional officials.

Despite progress reported by mediators, U.S. and Iranian positions on the timeline and terms of full reopening diverge sharply. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that progress has been made in talks between Iran and Oman, though he noted finality has not yet been reached. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that there is a chance a deal could come together rapidly to normalize conditions. President Donald Trump told reporters that the Strait of Hormuz was going to be open very soon following extensive discussions, warning of severe consequences if an agreement falters.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Slumps Amid U.S. Naval Blockade

Continued U.S. Airstrikes and Regional Retaliation in the Gulf

Military operations have continued in parallel with diplomatic channels. The United States carried out airstrikes across Iran for a twelfth consecutive night, with U.S. Central Command reporting the conclusion of targeted raids against Iranian military infrastructure, including maritime assets, radar installations, and air defense systems. Local media and officials in Khuzestan province reported civilian casualties and structural damage, including strikes near a passenger terminal in Shalamcheh and a power substation in Bushehr.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by striking American military assets in neighboring states. The IRGC claimed responsibility for destroying a Patriot missile defense system and a drone hangar at Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait.

“So it is America that has violated your territorial integrity and sovereignty, not us. We are attacking lands occupied by the American army, an army that knows nothing but crime.”

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, via Al Jazeera

Maritime Disruptions and Houthi Attacks in Regional Waters

Commercial shipping lanes face severe disruptions as maritime blockades and armed attacks persist across the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea.

Separate incidents included the sinking of an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Yemen after a projectile strike, though all 14 crew members were safely rescued by the Yemeni coast guard.

Iran Rejects U.S. Claims of Imminent Diplomatic Talks

Economic Strain and Domestic Political Divisions in Tehran

The protracted conflict and naval blockades have placed heavy pressure on Iran’s domestic economy. These economic pressures have deepened divisions within Tehran’s political leadership between pragmatists favoring diplomatic engagement and hardliners committed to maintaining leverage through strait closures.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged leaders to seize the diplomatic opening, arguing that Iran should capitalize on a window for diplomacy with the United States rather than isolating itself from regional neighbors.