Just as hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz began to rise, Iran poured cold water on global expectations. Despite diplomatic progress with Oman and President Donald Trump’s latest “last warning,” Tehran says the oil shipping route will remain closed, as the high-stakes standoff is far from over.
Hopes of a breakthrough in the Hormuz crisis gained momentum after Iran and Oman reported progress in high-level negotiations, but Tehran ruled out any immediate reopening of the strait, saying the waterway will remain shut until the US changes its approach.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, negotiations between Tehran and Muscat are moving forward positively and are being conducted exclusively between the two countries. Iranian officials rejected suggestions that Washington has any role in the discussions, insisting the talks are focused solely on future navigation arrangements in the strategic waterway.
Iranian authorities stressed that even if an agreement is reached with Oman on a new framework for vessel transit, the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen automatically. Tehran says any decision to restore shipping depends on what it describes as an end to US “violations” and interference in the region.
The latest remarks came amid reports that Teham and Muscat are close to finalising a mechanism for future maritime traffic through strait. However, Iranian officials accused the United States of attempting to influence the negotiations through military pressure, claiming such actions have delayed progress toward an agreement.
While Tehran maintained its hardline position, Washington signaled cautious optimism. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said diplomatic efforts are making progress, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested an agreement could emerge as early as “today or tomorrow,” raising expectations of a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
