U.S. nears Hormuz deal, aiming for Wednesday announcement
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President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David last week. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The U.S., Iran and Oman are closing in on an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. aiming for a Wednesday announcement, according to two regional sources and a U.S. official.
Why it matters: The deal, which has been under negotiations for several weeks, is aimed at resuming the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and restarting negotiations over a nuclear deal.
- President Trump decided on Saturday not to follow through on threats to unleash a massive bombing campaign, in order to allow more time for diplomacy. If a deal isn't reached soon, however, Trump could green-light major strikes.
- The emerging deal would meet some of Iran's demands for greater control over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — control it didn't have before the war.
Driving the news: According to two regional sources, the deal under discussion sets up a 60-day temporary arrangement between Oman and Iran in the Hormuz strait, which could be extended.
- All inbound traffic of ships through the strait and into the Gulf would go in a northern lane through Iranian waters.
- All outbound traffic through the strait and into the Arabian Sea would go in a southern lane through Omani waters, in coordination with Iran.
- No tolls or fees would be charged during the 60-day period.
- The parties would work on clearing naval mines from the median lane of the strait within 30 days.
- After the median lane is cleared, it would be used for inbound and outbound traffic under the terms of a permanent arrangement to be negotiated between Oman and Iran.
Yes, but: The White House, Oman and regional mediators thought they had a deal with Iran three weeks ago, only to see Iran resume attacks on ships. That led to two weeks of fighting and almost an all-out war.
Behind the scenes: In addition to the talks between Oman and Iran, Qatari, Pakistani and Saudi officials were also involved in the mediation efforts, regional sources say.
- The White House was actively involved in the negotiations, the regional sources said. In recent days, there were several calls between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
- Two regional sources said Araghchi agreed in principle over the weekend but still needed approval from Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and the Supreme National Security Council.
- A U.S. official and a regional source said Iranian leadership completed its approval process on Tuesday.
