Iran said it was nearing a final pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz, but reiterated that the U.S. must meet other conditions, including compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats, before the strategic waterway is reopened.

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A U.S. official told Reuters on August 7, 2026, that Iran and Oman were close to a deal that could pave the way for restoring safe passage through the strait, a major conduit for oil and gas shipping before Iran blocked Hormuz in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Tehran that began in late February. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said on August 9, 2026, that an agreement with Oman on the strait was in its “final stages,” but reiterated comments made on August 8 that Tehran would not reopen the channel unless the U.S. met certain demands.

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Iran and the U.S. are not engaged in direct talks, and Tehran will not start them as long as Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June, Mr. Aragchi said, adding that messages were being exchanged through intermediaries.

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