Iran says Oman deal is in 'final stages' but US must act to open Hormuz

By Nayera Abdallah, Steve Holland and Enas Alashray DUBAI/WASHINGTON/CAIRO Aug 9 (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday that a deal with Oman defining new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz was in its final stages but reiterated that the strait would only reopen once the United States met other conditions. A U.S. official

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said on Wednesday that Iran and Oman have reached the “final stages” of a deal for mutual control of the Strait of Hormuz after two months of negotiations.

An Iran-Oman deal to partially reopen the Strait of Hormuz is in the final stages, with an understanding in principle reached on almost all issues, including maritime traffic entry and exit routes. Bloomberg News Reporter Dan Williams discusses the latest developments from conflict in the Middle East. (Source: Bloomber

Open this photo in gallery:Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman on Monday.Stringer/ReutersIran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, has said an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, which lies on the other side of the waterway, is in the “final stage” of drafting. Speaking Wed

The countries are finalizing an agreed route for shipping in case the strait reopens.

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Iran has exercised de facto control of the waterway since the US and Israel launched their war against the country on 28 February.

US President Donald Trump earlier said a deal could be announced this week.

Neither the US or Oman have commented on the proposed agreement on the vital waterway.

Iran and Oman are in the final stages of a joint agreement to manage commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian foreign ministry said.

Iran said Wednesday it is in the "final stage" of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, and US President Donald Trump has said a deal could be announced this week.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both say talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are progressing. This comes as the U.S. long-range missiles stockpile is running low, sources tell CBS News. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.

Tehran's announcement comes after Trump said US would hold off on new Iran attack in hope of quick deal.