Iran says deal on Strait of Hormuz is close but will not open the waterway by itself

Key Points:

• Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran says reopening the strait depends on additional conditions, including U.S. compensation.
• The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking one of its state oil company carriers with a missile in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a further escalation in attacks on shipping in the strategic waterway.
• A U.S. official indicated that Washington expects a deal soon between Iran and Oman to restore normal oil traffic and would lift its blockade of Iranian ports once the agreement is announced, contingent on Iran's compliance with commitments.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz hinges on the U.S. accepting Iran’s conditions and stopping interference in regional negotiations, separate from the Iran-Oman talks.
• The proposed deal could grant Iran some control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait, a significant concession that U.S. officials have previously rejected, amid ongoing tensions that have disrupted global energy shipments and caused attacks on vessels.