US expects deal soon on Strait of Hormuz; Sunni powers unite in defense pact

By Steve Holland and Timour Azhari WASHINGTON/RIYADH, Aug 7 (Reuters) - A U.S. official on Fridayreported progress between Iran and Oman that could soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially restoring oil exports that have been disrupted by the five-month-old U.S. war with Iran. The U.S. official, who declined to be identified, said Washington soon anticipated an agreement between the two countries, which sit on either side of the strait, so that normal oil traffic could resume.