Oman and Iran have indicated that talks over securing shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz are advancing, though Tehran has cautioned that reopening the waterway depends on additional conditions being met.

Negotiations between Oman and Iran regarding passage through the Strait of Hormuz have entered a more active phase, with both nations suggesting discussions are moving forward, according to reports from Saturday. The talks centre on establishing a new shared shipping route that would allow resumed maritime traffic through the waterway, which typically carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that any full reopening remains contingent on meeting what he described as "other conditions."

Iran has effectively restricted access to the strait since February, following military operations by the US and Israel. Among Tehran's stated requirements for reopening are compensation from the United States for alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement signed in June, a halt to American threats against Iran, removal of US naval blockades on Iranian ports, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Security Chief Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr outlined six Iranian demands that would need addressing before the waterway reopens.

The US position reflects cautious optimism mixed with continued pressure. While President Donald Trump suggested a deal could materialize soon, Vice-President JD Vance stated on Saturday that significant work remains and that Washington is deploying diplomatic, economic, and military tools to achieve favorable outcomes. Vance claimed the US expects similar oil volumes to flow from the Gulf as before February, though provided no supporting details. A point of contention has been reports that Iran sought tolls of 5 to 7 percent on cargo passing through the strait, which Vance denied, stating Iran had informed the US it had no such plans.

Despite diplomatic progress, tensions persisted over the weekend. The United Arab Emirates reported that Iran struck an Adnoc tanker with a missile, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported a separate incident involving a ship struck by an unknown projectile near Oman's coast. These incidents underscore the fragile security situation in the region.