The prospect of a temporary deal focused on the Strait of Hormuz has gained more support after Qatar indicated it had drafted a proposal, and both U.S. and Iranian officials expressed optimism about reopening this vital waterway.
According to the Qatari government, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran. A White House official confirmed the call but provided no further details.
Trump, speaking to Fox News on Tuesday evening about negotiations with Iran, said: “We had a very good discussion, and they don’t want to admit that.” But he added, “If they ultimately fail to reach an agreement, that would be terrible.”
According to Axios, the United States, Iran, and Oman are preparing to announce as early as Wednesday a 60-day shipping agreement for the Strait of Hormuz. Under the deal, incoming vessels would use the northern route near Iran, while outgoing ships would transit through Omani waters in coordination with Iran. The sources cited two regional officials and one U.S. official.
According to Axios, no tolls or fees will be charged during the 60-day agreement period. Iran and Oman will also cooperate to clear mines from the intermediate waterway to ensure two-way passage.
Several diplomats familiar with the matter said Iran is considering making concessions to allow European countries to clear mines from the strait, which could become part of an agreement. The diplomats requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information they discussed.
This contradicts Iran’s public stance, but in recent weeks Tehran has softened its position during private talks. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has not commented on the matter.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bentsen expressed optimism about the Strait of Hormuz negotiations. Bentsen told CNBC that an agreement on this strategic waterway could be reached soon, based on “free movement of people.”
Before Bezos made the above remarks, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—among the main mediators between Washington and Tehran—said a proposed resolution to ease tensions was “circulating among both sides.”
Iran’s official news agency IRIB, citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqai, said talks between Iran and Oman are progressing smoothly. He stated that the ongoing discussions focus on “establishing safe shipping routes for vessels to enter and exit.”
However, both Qatari and U.S. officials cautiously stated that no agreement has been reached yet. Throughout the conflict, U.S. officials repeatedly suggested that an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz was imminent, but ultimately achieved nothing.
