Progress has reportedly been made in negotiations between Iran and Oman that could soon lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A United States official stated on Friday that the talks are advancing and may result in an agreement allowing standard commercial oil shipments to resume. The strategic waterway has been closed for five months due to conflict, disrupting global energy flows.

Reuters, citing the US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported that Washington expects a deal shortly between Iran and Oman, the two nations bordering the strait. Securing control of the passage is seen as a crucial step toward a broader peace agreement.

The official explained that once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.

The official stressed that future steps would depend on Iran fulfilling its obligations. He emphasised that US actions will remain performance‑based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments. This conditional approach reflects Washington’s cautious stance in the ongoing negotiations.

President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that fuel prices could decline as talks progress. He noted that stabilising one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes could help lower gasoline prices if the negotiations succeed.

Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump voiced confidence that the conflict with Iran would end “pretty soon,” adding that he did not believe the Islamic Republic could sustain the confrontation much longer. He reiterated that the United States remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump remarked that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are moving forward, though security concerns remain. He explained that while the blockade led by the US Navy is still in place, the risk of mines or other threats continues to complicate matters. He warned that even a single mine could disrupt shipping, as companies would be reluctant to risk billion‑dollar vessels in such conditions.

On the other side, Iran’s Acting Defence Minister Brigadier General Majid Ebn‑e‑Reza declared on Thursday that the country’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to counter any external threat. He emphasised that Iran’s military strength is rooted in its indigenous defence industry.

He stated that signs of the enemy’s erosion of power are becoming more evident, while Iran’s domestically developed defence technology surpasses regional military hardware.

He warned that countries relying on foreign suppliers for military superiority would eventually realise the limitations of their approach compared to Iran’s self‑reliant defence program.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important waterways in the world, serving as a vital transit route for global crude oil exports.

The outcome of the Iran‑Oman negotiations could determine whether the corridor reopens under a mutually acceptable framework, potentially easing tensions and stabilising energy markets.

ANI