Iran says deal near—but Strait of Hormuz still a bargaining chip

Negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are moving in a positive direction, according to Omani mediators. Iran repeated on Tuesday that a deal is close, but added that keeping the strait open will require the United States to compensate Tehran for violations of an agreement signed in June. The comments come as international pressure mounts to avoid any disruption to one of the world’s most vital oil shipping routes. Oman, which has long acted as a go-between, said the talks remain constructive. Iran’s latest statement ties the strait’s openness directly to U.S. compensation for the earlier deal’s breaches. The exact nature of those breaches was not specified in the report. No timeline for a final agreement was given, and U.S. officials have not yet responded publicly.