3 weeks ago
US expects Iran-Oman Hormuz deal; three nations sign defense pact
Some countries are having a big disagreement that has turned into a war involving Iran and the United States.
The fighting includes a very important waterway called the Strait of Hormuz, where many ships carrying oil sail.
Because of the war, it became hard for these ships to pass, and the United States put a blockade on ports in Iran.
Now, American officials say Iran and Oman are close to a deal that would let ships sail through the strait normally again.
The United States says that if safe shipping returns, it will remove the blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran's state media says it has agreed on a basic plan, or framework, with Oman, but top leaders still have to give the final approval.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan promised to help each other if any of them is attacked.
This promise was made because Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been attacking things linked to Saudi Arabia.
The United States also punished six companies and one person by imposing sanctions linked to what it says is Iran's digital money network.
Sanctions mean those companies and that person now face restrictions from the United States.
A US official told Reuters that progress has been made between Oman and Iran on the Strait of Hormuz and that Washington expects a deal soon to restore normal commercial shipping and oil traffic.
The United States said it will lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports once a deal is announced restoring commercial shipping without impediments.
Iranian state media reported that Tehran and Muscat agreed on a framework for a new Strait of Hormuz protocol, though Iranian MP Hassan Ghashghavi said the final decision needs approval at 'higher levels.'
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact in Mecca declaring that an armed attack on any one nation is an attack against all three.
The US imposed sanctions on six entities and one individual linked to Iran's illicit digital asset network, including two major digital asset exchanges, after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the strait.
- Who
- The administration of US President Donald Trump, US officials including State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Iran and Oman, and the leaders of Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman), Turkey (President Recep Tayyip Erdogan) and Pakistan (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif).
- What
- An expected Iran-Oman deal to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan mutual defense pact, and US sanctions on Iran-linked digital asset entities.
- Where
- Strait of Hormuz, with the defense pact signed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- On Friday, with live updates published on August 08, 2026; the war in Iran has lasted about five months.
- Why
- To restore oil and energy exports disrupted by the five-month-old war, and to counter rising attacks on Saudi-linked targets by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Washington's view
Tehran's view
Strait of Hormuz deal status
Washington's view
A US official said there is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait and Washington expects a deal soon to restore normal commercial shipping and oil traffic; once that is announced, the US will lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Tehran's view
Iranian state media said Tehran and Muscat have agreed on a framework for a new protocol in the Strait of Hormuz, but Iranian MP Hassan Ghashghavi said the final decision would still need approval at 'higher levels.'
Negotiation vs. sanctions
Washington's view
While expecting a diplomatic deal, Washington also imposed sanctions on six entities and one individual linked to Iran's illicit digital asset network, citing Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.
Tehran's view
Iran signaled progress in talks on the strait, while the US said it would study whatever emerges from any Iran-Oman agreement before finalizing its stance on the naval blockade.
Key facts
- Conflict duration
- About five months old
- Expected deal parties
- Iran and Oman (over the Strait of Hormuz)
- US condition for ending blockade
- Restoration of unimpeded commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz
- Defense pact signatories
- Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan
- Defense pact provision
- An armed attack on one nation is considered an attack against all three
- Defense pact location
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Sanctions target
- Six entities and one individual linked to Iran's illicit digital asset network
- Sanctions announced by
- US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott
Quotes
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott
U.S. State Department spokesperson
“The Iranian regime launders billions of dollars by moving illicit funds through various channels, including digital asset exchanges. Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on six entities and one individual--two major digital asset exchanges the regime leverages to maintain international financial connectivity, the ringleader of a network of companies that supports illicit digital asset activities, and his firms in multiple jurisdictions.”
livemint.com
“There is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon. Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.”
livemint.com
Sources
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