US and Qatari officials say progress has been made toward reopening the strait of Hormuz, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hope for a deal 'very shortly' in a potential breakthrough for ending the Middle East war.
Key facts
- Marco Rubio said the US hopes to reach a Hormuz deal with Iran 'very shortly'.
- US and Qatari officials reported progress on an Iran ceasefire and reopening the strait of Hormuz.
- Under the emerging deal, ships would enter the Persian Gulf via an Iranian-controlled route and exit via an Oman-controlled route.
- Service fees would be charged for providing security and preserving the maritime environment.
- The information was attributed to two regional officials speaking to the Associated Press.
Iran and Oman have made progress toward a deal to reopen the strait of Hormuz, a potential breakthrough that could help end the war in the Middle East, regional officials have said, according to the Guardian’s live coverage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hopes to reach an agreement with Iran on the strait ‘very shortly’, as US and Qatari officials reported progress on an Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the key maritime passage.
Under the emerging agreement, ships would enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman, two regional officials told the Associated Press.
The officials said service fees would be charged for providing security and preserving the maritime environment along the shipping route, according to the Associated Press.
The reported progress comes amid the wider Middle East crisis involving Iran, the US, Israel and Qatar, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The developments were reported in a Guardian live blog that has since closed.
Details of the timing and final terms of any agreement were not confirmed in the reporting available.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and gas, and any disruption there can affect global energy supplies and prices. A deal to reopen it could mark a significant step toward de-escalating the broader conflict in the Middle East.
Frequently asked questions
What did Marco Rubio say about a deal with Iran?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hopes to reach a deal with Iran on the strait of Hormuz 'very shortly', as officials reported that progress had been made.
How would the emerging Hormuz agreement work?
According to two regional officials cited by the Associated Press, ships would enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman, with service fees charged for security and environmental protection.
Who reported the progress on the deal?
US and Qatari officials reported progress on an Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the strait, while two regional officials described the emerging arrangement to the Associated Press.