The United States is wielding both a carrot and a stick in its dealings with Iran — agreeing to resume negotiations on one hand, while threatening hellfire should Tehran fail to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping as it was before the escalation. As discussions between Iran and Oman emerged over announcing the opening of the middle channel of the strait, US President Donald Trump disclosed that he had agreed to Iran's request to resume talks, while simultaneously reminding Tehran that the ceasefire has expired and threatening to pound Iran with thousands of missiles should it follow through on threats to assassinate him.
The American news website Axios reported yesterday on discussions between Iran and Oman over announcing a guarantee of full and free movement of shipping through the middle channel of the Strait of Hormuz.
Axios said Iran and Oman are discussing a potential statement on opening the middle channel of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels, noting that Qatari negotiators are participating in the talks in Muscat.
A regional source told Axios that the parties are discussing the possibility of issuing a statement on opening the middle channel to full and free shipping traffic.
Later, the Oman News Agency reported that Oman and Iran had agreed to continue technical and political talks to reach an agreement on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
CNN also cited a knowledgeable source as saying that Oman is proposing an agreement on navigation lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
CBS News, citing a US official, reported that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will not participate in the Oman talks, nor will the US technical team be present.
The official added that the Americans will continue to engage remotely with Omani and Qatari officials while negotiations proceed.
For his part, US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: