Iran Signals Progress on Hormuz Talks With Oman After Trump Halts Planned Strikes

Iran says it is nearing an agreement with Oman on a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, following a decision by US President Donald Trump to suspend planned military strikes in favour of continued diplomacy.

Trump announced on Saturday that the United States and Israel had agreed to delay further attacks on Iran, saying negotiations had advanced to a stage where “the perimeters” of a deal were already visible.

The announcement comes after months of conflict that began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched surprise attacks on Iran. While diplomatic contacts have occasionally eased tensions, renewed strikes last month reignited fears of a broader regional conflict.

The US president had previously warned Iran of severe military action and was reportedly considering attacks on key energy facilities before diplomatic efforts intensified, including talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said:

“We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to.”

He added:

“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL.”

Iranian media denied that Tehran had requested the postponement of military action.

Hormuz Remains Central to Negotiations

Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi said negotiations were focused on reviving the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, reached in June, as a pathway toward a broader agreement.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as the central issue in the ongoing discussions.

“They know that the main issue and, in fact, the key to the matter right now is the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, so yes, there is an exchange of views.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian also called for ensuring all parties honour any commitments reached.

“We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. Before the conflict, ships moved freely through the passage, but Iran closed the waterway during the war and has since insisted on retaining control and imposing tolls—a proposal the United States rejects.

Trump has insisted that any agreement must guarantee the “Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.”

New Shipping Route Under Discussion

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Tehran and Oman were close to finalising an agreement on a new navigation route.

“We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides — neither the northern route nor the southern route — but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security.”

He clarified that the proposed arrangement would not amount to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, maritime intelligence firm Kpler reported that commercial shipping through the strait has fallen sharply in recent days, highlighting the continuing impact of the conflict on global trade.

Africans Angle News