The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reinforce a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with an announcement possible as early as Wednesday, according to Axios.
Citing two regional sources and a US official, the report said the proposed agreement is designed to ease tensions following recent military escalation and create conditions for renewed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Under the reported framework, Oman and Iran would implement a 60-day temporary arrangement governing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with the option of extending the agreement.
Inbound vessels entering the Persian Gulf would travel through a northern shipping lane in Iranian waters, while outbound traffic heading to the Arabian Sea would use a southern route through Omani waters, coordinated with Iran. The arrangement would not impose any transit fees or tolls during the temporary period.
The proposal also includes plans to clear naval mines from the central shipping lane within 30 days. Once completed, that route could be reopened for two-way traffic under a longer-term agreement to be negotiated between Oman and Iran.
According to Axios, the diplomatic effort gained momentum after US President Donald Trump decided to delay a planned large-scale military strike on Iran in favour of allowing more time for negotiations, while warning that military action remained an option if diplomacy failed.