Report: Deal framework reached on temporarily reopening Hormuz; US support not assured

A temporary Iran-Oman deal framework has been reached regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the MS Now (formerly MSNBC) US outlet reports.

The report, which cites two unnamed Middle East diplomats with knowledge of the talks, says Oman has agreed to the temporary deal but doesn’t explicitly say that Iran has, although it cites an unnamed Iranian government official as saying it will establish a new Iran-controlled entry route and an Oman-controlled exit route from the waterway, a critical oil trade route.

The Iranian official is cited as saying that under the deal, ships won’t currently be required to pay tolls or fees.

The same official adds that the United States and the United Nations International Maritime Organization will be involved in the deal’s formal announcement, although the timing isn’t yet known.

However, a US official is quoted as saying Washington will only support the deal if it includes no fees and also no “impediments — meaning no approvals or permissions.” The report doesn’t say if the framework includes such provisions.

The members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have also endorsed the agreement, the report says, citing an unnamed Gulf government official.

Various outlets have reported progress in the talks and details of the deal for about a week. It is said to set a 60-day period in which the US and Iran will negotiate long-term arrangements and an end to the war that began in late February.