U.S. officials have said progress has been made toward an agreement with Iran to restore freedom of movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio said he hoped the United States could reach a deal with Tehran “very shortly,” while other officials described an arrangement as potentially close.
The reports center on talks involving Oman, which has been associated with diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran. Iran has said discussions with Oman are advancing positively, although accounts differ over whether direct negotiations with Washington are taking place.
The Trump administration has presented the prospect of an agreement as imminent, with Bessent saying a deal could come as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday and would provide for freedom of movement through the strait. Iran, however, has denied that negotiations of the kind described by U.S. officials are under way.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major regional shipping route, making any agreement on access significant for energy markets, maritime traffic and the wider Middle East crisis. The reported differences between U.S. and Iranian statements leave the timing and terms of any possible deal uncertain.
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