Iran and Oman 'Very Close' to Hormuz Deal, UAE Says Iran Struck Another Ship
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Iran and Oman are very close to a deal on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday, but Tehran says the waterway will not reopen until Washington accepts its conditions, including compensation. The United Arab Emirates separately accused Iran of hitting another commercial ship in the strait with a missile, deepening tensions on the 28th day of renewed conflict between Iran and a U.S.-led coalition. The developments unfold alongside mixed reactions to a Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact and escalating fighting in Yemen.
The Hormuz Deal
Araqchi told reporters that Iran and Oman are 'very close' to agreeing on a temporary shipping route, but stressed that a permanent reopening of the strait hinges on U.S. compensation. The previous traffic separation scheme is no longer acceptable to Tehran, and technical and legal work on a lasting route continues. A U.S. official had said Friday that Washington anticipated a deal soon to resume normal oil traffic.
UAE Allegations
The UAE said Iran struck a ship in the strait with a missile, marking the latest incident in a tit-for-tat campaign following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran that began February 28. Iran has responded by targeting U.S. interests, and the struck vessel further complicates efforts to stabilise the key waterway, through which a fifth of global oil passes.
Regional Dynamics
A new defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye is drawing mixed reactions, with some Iranian officials doubting its security guarantees, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, fighting in Yemen has escalated between government forces and Houthis, adding another layer of instability to the region amid the broader conflict.
What's Next
Iran-Oman discussions are expected to continue as technical details are hammered out, while Washington signals a deal could be near. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will agree to Tehran's compensation demand or if the latest ship strike will hinder efforts to reopen the strait.
3 sources
Iran and Oman 'Very Close' to Hormuz Deal, UAE Says Iran Struck Another Ship
