The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced potential agreement developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz. A deal might be possible by Wednesday as Iran and Oman slowly work towards a pact concerning this crucial maritime route. This agreement might relieve global economic pressure and help resolve the ongoing war.
The U.S., together with Israel, initiated the war on February 28, aiming to topple Tehran’s government and stop their nuclear program. However, the conflict shifted focus to the strait after Iranian threats and attacks disrupted maritime transport. Previously, one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas passed through the strait. Its closure has driven up fuel prices and basic goods worldwide, impacting the global economy. Trump faces mounting pressure to end this unpopular war before the midterm elections. He stated that an agreement to reopen the strait is imminent.
While speaking with journalists in California, Trump was asked about a report from Axios. It suggested an announcement about the Strait of Hormuz could occur by Wednesday. “It could happen. Tomorrow or the day after,” he said on Tuesday night. “A lot of progress has been made.”
Initially, oil prices dropped with hopes of a deal that would resume maritime transport. But later, they slightly increased. Brent crude, a global benchmark, hovered around $80 a barrel, which is far from the peak levels during the conflict.
The U.S. and Iran agreed to open the strait in June but resumed attacks shortly after. Recently, Trump has alternated between threatening massive attacks and supporting diplomatic efforts.
Continued Attacks on Maritime Transport
Despite the hope of an imminent agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on maritime transport in the region continued. On Wednesday, Yemen’s Houthis, supported by Iran, claimed to have launched ballistic missiles at a Saudi tanker, the Wafa, in the Red Sea. Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree stated that the vessel was targeted near the Saudi port city of Yanbu, though no evidence was provided.
Saudi Arabia has not commented on the incident. The attack is part of an escalating conflict between the rebels and Riyadh, threatening to reignite Yemen’s civil war. The Houthis announced in July that the Bab el-Mandeb strait leading to the Red Sea would be closed to Saudi-linked maritime traffic. This increases pressure on international shipping, as the Red Sea is a key alternative route for Saudi oil exports during the war.
On Tuesday, an Indian-flagged merchant ship sank in the Red Sea off Yemen after being hit by an explosive-laden vessel. Yemeni and Indian authorities reported that the Yemeni coast guard rescued the crew, which included 13 Indians and one Yemeni. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Earlier that day, a cargo ship reported it was “hit by an unknown projectile” about 37 kilometers northeast of the Omani port city of Al Khasab in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which is part of the British military.
Agreement Outlines Iranian and Omani Controlled Routes
A possible agreement from talks between Iran and Oman would allow ships to enter the Persian Gulf via a route controlled by Iran and exit through one controlled by Oman, reported two regional officials to The Associated Press. Fees would be charged for ensuring safety and preserving the maritime environment, they noted, stressing anonymity due to the sensitive negotiations.
Trump’s administration previously rejected any agreement giving Iran control of the strait, which was an open international maritime route before the war. Now, at best, transit has dwindled to a trickle.
During a Monday discussion with journalists, Trump reiterated his public opposition to tolls. “I am not going to let them charge,” he declared. “If anyone is going to charge, it will be us.”
Regional officials said negotiations continue, and the final agreement’s form may differ, particularly with any pact tied to lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Progress in U.S.–Iran Negotiations
Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday that Tehran’s discussions with Oman focused on “establishing secure entry and exit shipping corridors.” These corridors “respect sovereign rights while considering national security” for both Iran and Oman.
The final results of these negotiations will be announced upon their conclusion, he added, through the state news agency IRNA.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed progress in the talks but mentioned they were not definitive. Rubio had previously dismissed any agreement granting Iranian control over the strait, calling it a “very dangerous precedent.”
UN Criticism on Executions in Iran
The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, criticized an increase in executions and death sentences in Iran since March. He suggested the death penalty is being used to instill fear and suppress dissent.
Since March 19, at least 56 people have been executed, including 27 in cases linked to anti-government protests earlier this year. Türk noted that over 100 more are at risk of execution on similar charges.
“The persistent lack of fair trial and due process guarantees is deeply concerning,” Türk stated, citing confessions obtained under torture and mistreatment. He noted some reported executions were public and carried out mere weeks after arrests.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the name of the Houthi spokesman to Yahya Saree, not Sare.
Becatoros reported from Athens and Superville from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Contributions to this dispatch were made by Amer Madhani and Matthew Lee in Washington.