Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on Sunday, August 2, 2026, that negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are entering their "final stages." In a report presented to the cabinet and shared on Telegram, Araghchi described the talks between Tehran and Muscat as "on the way to being finalised."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that the two countries are close to reaching an agreement on a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, distinct from existing corridors. Baghaei emphasized that the new route would be acceptable to both sides, respecting their sovereign rights and safeguarding national interests and security. He said, "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."

Baghaei also attributed the closure of the strait to the United States, citing "the United States’ breach of its commitments, its naval blockade of Iran and all the hostile measures that the United States has taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran during this period."

Hassam Ghashghavi, spokesman for the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, noted that mediators are attempting to revive a June memorandum of understanding with the US, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a central issue.

This announcement follows US President Trump’s statement that the United States would hold off on a new attack on Iran in hopes of reaching a quick deal. Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, commented on the situation, saying, "Iran is habituated to dancing to the same old tune, as it is receiving this oscillating rhetoric from the US president about the possibility of another round of confrontation on the one hand, [while also hearing] statements about these talks going well and that a potential deal is within reach."

Sources