New York [US], July 26 (ANI): Talks between Iran and Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and their respective territorial waterways in the region have made progress, according to two regional sources cited by CBS News.
The report said that while discussions were moving in a positive direction, further diplomatic efforts would be required before a final agreement could be reached.
According to the report, Omani officials travelled to Tehran on Friday for negotiations, with the diplomatic engagement coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause American strikes on Iran after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) had conducted operations for 13 consecutive nights.
The CBS report, citing regional officials, stated that the pause in US military action was intentional to avoid disrupting sensitive face-to-face diplomacy. The White House and CENTCOM did not respond to requests for comment, it added.
The American broadcaster further reported that Washington was closely monitoring the discussions between Oman and Iran.
Trump on Friday reiterated that Iran was interested in reaching an agreement, 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,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday accused the United States of deliberately violating the Iran-US memorandum of understanding by establishing what he described as an unauthorised alternative shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and diverting commercial vessels away from routes designated by Tehran.
Citing Araghchi’s remarks in an interview with Iran Daily, Press TV reported that the Iranian Foreign Minister said Article 5 of the memorandum was clear and that Washington’s actions went beyond a simple misunderstanding.
Earlier, the US Central Command said that the American naval blockade against Iran remained fully operational, stating that two ships that failed to comply with orders had been “disabled,” while two others were boarded to ensure compliance.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said coalition forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to cross the restricted perimeter as part of efforts to prevent “unauthorised maritime transport” to Iranian ports. (ANI)
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