Iran Says Hormuz Deal With Oman Depends on U.S. Lifting Naval Blockade

An Iranian military-affiliated news outlet reported that Iranian and Omani officials had reached an agreement to establish a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but that the plan would depend on the United States lifting its naval blockade and returning to the terms of a previous truce, Tucker Reals reported for CBS News.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key focus of diplomatic efforts to restore commercial shipping and stabilize energy markets amid the conflict between Iran and the United States. [Photo: U.S. Central Command Facebook]

Qatar's foreign minister visited Tehran last week for talks with his Iranian counterpart aimed at creating “suitable conditions for dialogue,” as mediators Qatar and Pakistan sought to bring the United States and Iran back into direct negotiations to end the nearly six-month conflict.

Qatar said the foreign ministers also discussed a proposal under which Iran and Oman would establish a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that the United States was “achieving a very big victory” against Iran but said the conflict would continue “for as long as necessary.”

He also said there was no timetable for resuming peace talks with Tehran.

The reported Hormuz proposal comes as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions and restore commercial shipping through one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.

Analysts have cautioned that the United States cannot necessarily expect China's cooperation in efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran.

Tehran, meanwhile, has sought to downplay the impact of US sanctions, which have been imposed on Iran for decades.