CNN: A senior Gulf official said there is a “50-50” chance Iran and Oman will reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz by Friday. However, Iran’s deputy foreign minister cautioned that such an agreement — while close — would still not automatically open the waterway. Iran has also denied talking with the US, saying its talks with Oman are strictly bilateral.
…Tehran’s challenges: Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian told state-run media that Iran is facing mounting pressure from sanctions and conflict, describing the current period as the most difficult since the 1979 Islamic Revolution…
Iran says it has reached agreement with Oman on Hormuz shipping route
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that Tehran and Muscat had agreed on the geographical coordinates of a navigable channel, adding that a joint statement on a provisional arrangement was “in the final stages”…
Proposed Hormuz deal would give Iran control of inbound traffic
A proposed deal between Iran and Oman to help end five months of war between Iran and the United States would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source and two regional officials told Reuters on Wednesday, one of the biggest concessions yet to Iran…
Trump, Hegseth clashed at Camp David over Iran missile depletion concerns
Back at Camp David, as he was confronted by Trump over the bare weapons stockpile, Hegseth defended himself and blamed his deputy, Stephen Feinberg, for the shortages and for not ensuring Trump was fully apprised of the issue, both persons familiar said.
The exchange underscored Trump’s increasing frustration with his defense secretary, who was one of the biggest early advocates for taking military action against Iran, convincing Trump it would be a quick and relatively easy win, according to multiple officials…
Iran threatens to hit Gulf states if US launches new strikes
Araqchi urged Washington’s Gulf allies to use their influence with Trump to dissuade him from launching renewed strikes, the senior diplomat said, warning that any attack on Iran would prompt retaliation against U.S. assets and energy facilities across the Gulf.
…”The Iranian warning was unequivocal: if America targeted Iran’s infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets,” one Gulf source said…
An agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape – but not one Trump wants
“From day one, it was clear that restoring the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-crisis status would have required either regime change in Iran or a sustained military effort to impose control over the waterway,” said Israeli security expert Danny Citrinowicz.
“Neither option was politically or strategically acceptable to Washington, given the enormous costs and long-term commitments they would require. Sometimes, the least desirable option is the only realistic one.”…