Iran says deal on Strait of Hormuz is close but will not open the waterway by itself

World Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran and Oman were "very close" to agreement on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but that reopening the strait depended on other conditions, including US compensation to Iran. Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on Aug 6, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Stringer) 08 Aug 2026 08:51PM (Updated: 08 Aug 2026 08:56PM) CAIRO: Iran said on Saturday (Aug 8) that a deal with Oman on control of the Strait of Hormuz was close but would not be enough to free up the waterway, and the United Arab Emirates said Iran had hit another ship there.A US official, who declined to be identified, said on Friday that Washington anticipated an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, which sit on either side of the strait, so th