According to US and Qatari officials, diplomatic progress is underway to restore a regional ceasefire and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Iran war. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC television that negotiations could yield a deal within days to normalize shipping positions, while Britain’s maritime security agency, UKMTO, reported a cargo vessel strike near Oman’s coast.
US and Qatari Officials Report Progress on Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Optimistic speculation surrounding a diplomatic breakthrough brought global oil prices down by 2% on Tuesday, though the vital waterway remained closed to commercial shipping. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC television on Tuesday that negotiations were active. “I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalised position in this conflict,” Bessent said. His remarks followed upbeat comments on Monday from Donald Trump, who claimed a breakthrough was imminent. Tehran quickly denied engaging in any direct talks with the US, according to regional reporting.
Did you know? The Strait of Hormuz serves as the maritime portal for approximately one-fifth of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making it a critical choke point for global energy markets.
Mediators Exchange Draft Proposals Between Washington and Tehran
Qatari and Pakistani mediators are currently communicating with both sides to bridge gaps, revive the ceasefire deal established in a mid-June memorandum of understanding (MoU), and reopen the strait. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, stated that Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are mediating in close coordination to exchange draft proposals between Washington and Tehran. Ansari added that these diplomatic contacts have reached “very progressive stages.” Meanwhile, a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters news agency that a lot is happening in the background with the sole immediate goal of prompting both parties to start talking.
Oman Resists Temporary Transit Scheme Amid Regional Pressures
Direct negotiations over a temporary transit scheme have primarily taken place between Iran and Oman rather than directly involving Qatar or Pakistan. Regional diplomats revealed that Oman faces concerted pressure from the US, Europe, and Saudi Arabia to accept a temporary shipping framework. This proposed arrangement would allow vessels to enter the Gulf via a route close to Iran and exit on a southern route along the Omani coast jointly controlled with Iran. The plan leaves contentious issues—such as Iran’s demands to charge transiting vessels tolls—to a subsequent 60-day negotiating period that would also address Iran’s nuclear program. The Omani government has resisted the Hormuz proposal out of fear it could become permanent and grant Tehran an enduring say over sea routes within Omani waters.
Internal Political Splits Complicate Iranian Negotiations
Iranian state-run broadcaster IRIB reported on Tuesday evening that negotiations between the two coastal countries are focused on establishing safe transit routes. The report noted that talks have been positive at technical and political levels, with Iran working alongside Oman to manage shipping traffic. However, regional diplomats indicate that deep political splits in Tehran complicate the process. While Iran’s foreign ministry favors a deal—fearing that strict control over the strait could become a wasting asset as traffic finds alternative routes—regime hardliners oppose any agreement, arguing that the US administration cannot be trusted to deliver promised financial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Strait of Hormuz closed?
The waterway faced closures following the breakdown of a mid-June memorandum of understanding when vessels attempting to cross without Iranian approval were attacked.
Who is mediating the current talks?
According to regional officials, Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are acting as mediators between Washington and Tehran.
What is the proposed transit solution?
Diplomats report discussions involve a temporary scheme allowing ships to enter via a northern route close to Iran and exit via a southern route along Oman’s coast.
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