Hormuz talks positive, Oman says, as Iran warns deal would not open strait

What the report says

Oman says talks with Iran on securing a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz have been positive, but the status of any breakthrough remains uncertain, according to BBC World News. The discussions involve a possible new route through the strategic waterway, which carries a large share of global oil and gas traffic and has been effectively restricted since US and Israeli attacks began in February.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations were in their final stages, but stressed that reopening the strait would depend on other conditions. BBC World News reported that Tehran is seeking broader concessions, including compensation from the United States over a collapsed ceasefire-and-talks framework reached in June. A senior Iranian security official also said the waterway would not reopen until Washington changed its approach and met several Iranian demands.

The article also noted that US officials have described the process as ongoing rather than complete. Vice-President JD Vance said work was still needed to set up a safe traffic arrangement, while President Donald Trump suggested a deal could come soon. Oman separately warned against attacks on shipping, after the United Arab Emirates said an Adnoc-linked tanker had been hit, and UK maritime officials reported another vessel strike off Oman.

The wider context is that any agreement over Hormuz would matter far beyond the region because even limited disruption can affect energy supplies and maritime trade.