President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran regarding the reopening of the Hormuz Strait are progressing smoothly, and a decision could be reached within 48 hours. Although direct talks between the U.S. and Iran have not occurred, mediators from Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan are facilitating discussions and sharing proposals, increasing the likelihood of a short-term agreement.
On August 4, during a press conference in Los Angeles, Trump remarked, "The negotiations are going very well," adding, "We will know within 48 hours." In a prior interview with Fox News, he claimed that Iran is eager for an agreement to resolve tensions that escalated following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28. He emphasized, "What matters is action. Iran wants an agreement, and we will see what happens next."
Trump also warned that military action could follow if negotiations fail. He stated, "The Strait will be opened very soon; otherwise, Iran will face a strong attack, and ultimately, the Strait will be opened."
U.S. officials have echoed the potential for an early resolution regarding the Hormuz Strait negotiations. Treasury Secretary Scott Vance mentioned in an interview with CNBC, "We are negotiating with Iran," and indicated that an agreement could be reached as soon as today or tomorrow. He expressed confidence that free passage would be guaranteed, despite concerns about Iran imposing tolls on vessels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke to reporters at the State Department, noting, "There has been progress in negotiations, but we have not yet reached a final agreement," and expressed hope for a resolution soon.
Rubio explained that the U.S. is involved in negotiations between Oman and Iran, aimed at ensuring more vessels can safely transit in the short term. In this context, Axios reported, citing regional and U.S. officials, that the U.S., Iran, and Oman are nearing a temporary agreement to reopen the Hormuz Strait, with an announcement expected as early as August 5.
The proposed agreement includes provisions for Iran and Oman to guarantee safe passage for vessels transiting the Strait for 60 days, without imposing additional tolls, and considering an extension if necessary. Discussions are also underway to separate shipping lanes based on vessel direction, with ships entering the Persian Gulf using the northern route and those exiting using the southern route through Omani waters.
Uncertainty Surrounds Direct U.S.-Iran Negotiations
However, Qatar, acting as a mediator, clarified that the U.S. and Iran have not yet engaged in direct negotiations. Majid Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated in Doha that no schedule for direct talks has been set, and mediators are conveying opinions and proposals to both sides.
Al-Ansari noted that Qatar, along with Oman and Pakistan, is mediating between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing that the entire region is cooperating to avoid further escalation and find solutions. He added, "Our current focus is on preventing escalation, reopening the Hormuz Strait, and restoring diplomatic channels between the parties. The ongoing efforts on the ground are at a significantly advanced stage."
The mediators are relaying potential agreement language and proposals to both the U.S. and Iran. Al-Ansari confirmed that while a finalized agreement has not been prepared, "language for a possible agreement has been drafted and is being circulated among the parties."
According to Qatari sources, Iran has denied claims of negotiating with the U.S. and stated it is discussing the passage issue with Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told state-run IRIB that discussions are ongoing between the two coastal nations, focusing on establishing safe routes for vessels. He assessed that the talks have yielded positive results on both technical and political levels.
Additionally, a source from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated media, Sepah News, cited an anonymous official stating that the main reasons for delays in discussions with Oman regarding the Hormuz Strait are U.S. interference and Trump's threats. The official remarked, "As long as U.S. interference and military threats against Iran continue, agreements will be delayed," adding, "Iran will not reach any agreement under the shadow of threats."
Last month, the U.S. and Iran attempted to finalize a memorandum of understanding to reopen the Hormuz Strait, but the agreement fell through. Since then, both sides have intermittently exchanged military strikes, further restricting vessel operations in the Strait.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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