Overview
- Negotiators from Iran and Oman have finalized a draft temporary arrangement that is now awaiting approval from Iran's supreme leader, regional officials and the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.
- The reported draft would route ships into the Gulf through an Iran-controlled entry corridor and out via an Oman-controlled exit corridor, and it could allow Iran to charge fees for security services.
- U.S. officials say that if Tehran signs the pact Washington will lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and reinstate exceptions so Iran can export oil, a step that has already pushed oil prices lower.
- Iran publicly denies direct talks with the United States and says its negotiations are through Oman only, while the White House and senior U.S. figures describe parallel contacts and condition U.S. actions on a formal deal.
- Maritime attacks continue during the diplomacy: UKMTO and security firms reported recent strikes on commercial vessels in and near the strait, keeping shipping risk and regional instability high.