New York Times reports Iran and Oman are close to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The New York Times reported on Monday, 3 August 2026 (12 Mordad 1405), citing Iranian and US officials, that Iran and Oman are close to an agreement to restore commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the potential deal, the report said, vessels entering the Persian Gulf would travel through a shipping channel controlled by Iran and close to its coast, while outbound traffic would use a channel near Oman.

Iranian officials told the New York Times that no tolls would be charged, but that the agreement includes a "service fee" covering environmental impacts, security for cargo ships and tankers, and staffing costs, with revenue shared equally between Iran and Oman. A US official called the Iranian account "not accurate," saying any "temporary" shipping routes through the strait would not require Iranian approval and would not involve tolls.

According to the report, some senior Pentagon officials are skeptical of the proposed arrangement and are concerned it could amount to a concession to Iran. Some Iranian officials also questioned whether the agreement would work as intended and prevent another round of US attacks. The Strait of Hormuz is the main export route for Persian Gulf oil, and its closure in recent weeks has kept pressure on the global oil market.