New York, July 26: Talks between Iran and Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and their respective territorial waterways have made progress, according to two regional sources cited by CBS News.
The report said both sides were moving in a positive direction, although additional time would be required to reach an agreement. Omani officials reportedly travelled to Tehran on Friday to continue discussions.
According to CBS News, the diplomatic engagement coincided with US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause US airstrikes on Iran after 13 consecutive nights of operations by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The report, citing regional sources, said the pause was intended to avoid disrupting the ongoing negotiations. The White House and CENTCOM did not respond to requests for comment.The report added that Washington is closely monitoring the discussions between Tehran and Muscat.
Speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday, President Trump said Iran was interested in reaching an agreement but indicated that negotiations had not yet reached that stage.”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 violating the Iran-US memorandum of understanding by creating an alternative shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and diverting commercial vessels from routes designated by Tehran.
According to Iran’s Press TV, Araghchi said Article 5 of the memorandum clearly defined the agreed shipping arrangements and alleged that the US actions exceeded the scope of any misunderstanding.
Earlier, the US Central Command said the American naval blockade against Iran remained in effect. CENTCOM stated that two vessels which failed to comply with its directives were disabled, while two others were boarded. It also said coalition forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to enter what it described as a restricted maritime area linked to Iranian ports.