Iran-Oman talks on reopening Strait of Hormuz make progress: Report
New York, July 26
There has been progress in talks between Iran and Oman on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and their respective territorial waterways in that area, two regional sources told CBS News.
The report, citing sources, said that while things are headed in a positive direction, the diplomacy requires more time to reach a deal.
It said that Omani officials had travelled Friday to Tehran for talks, and that diplomatic outreach coincided with President Donald Trump's decision to pause US bombings on Iran, which the CENTCOM had been carrying out for 13 consecutive nights.
As per the CBS report, the regional officials both indicated that the US bombing was intentionally paused so as not to disrupt the delicate in-person diplomacy. It added that the White House and CENTCOM did not reply to requests for comment.
The American broadcaster further said that the Omani-Iranian talks are being tracked closely by Washington.
Trump on Friday yet again reiterated that Iran would "love to make a deal", while speaking at the White House Correspondents' dinner.
"I don't think they're ready to. I don't think it's time yet, but I'm willing to listen," he said.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday accused the United States of deliberately violating the Iran-US memorandum of understanding by establishing an unauthorised alternative shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and redirecting commercial vessels away from corridors designated by Tehran.
Citing the Foreign Minister's remarks from an interview with the Iran daily, Press TV reported that Araghchi emphasised that Article 5 of the memorandum was unambiguous and that Washington's actions went beyond a simple misunderstanding.
The US Central Command said earlier in the day that the American naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect, emphasising that two ships that didn't comply with orders were "disabled," while two others were boarded "to ensure total compliance."
In a post on X, CENTCOM disclosed that coalition forces have redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the perimeter as part of an ongoing effort to restrict "unauthorised maritime transport" bound for Iranian ports.
— ANI
Reader Comments
All this back-and-forth with blockades and 'unauthorized shipping' is just political theatre. The real issue is Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions. Omani mediation is always welcome though—they're the Switzerland of the Middle East. Let's hope this leads somewhere real.
As an Indian, I just hope our government is quietly working behind the scenes to ensure our oil tankers aren't caught in the crossfire. We've seen how rising fuel prices affect the common man at the petrol pump. 🙏🏽 Diplomacy over bombs any day.
Interesting that CENTCOM is boarding ships and redirecting vessels. That's basically piracy under the guise of 'compliance'. The US can't just bully everyone in international waters. Respectful criticism: India should take a clearer stand against this unilateral action. What about our merchant navy sailors caught in these games? 🤔
Trump says Iran 'would love to make a deal' but then also says 'I'm willing to listen'—the man contradicts himself every other sentence! The real progress is Oman-Iran talks. Omani diplomacy has always been underrated. Hope both sides remember that millions of people depend on oil from that region.
Wait, so CENTCOM says they 'disabled' two ships but official media is reporting diplomacy? Something doesn't add up. Usually when one side escalates militarily, talks collapse. Either this CBS report is overly optimistic or there's more happening behind closed doors. 🧐
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