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Iran says Oman deal is in 'final stages,' but US must act first to open Strait of Hormuz

A US official said on Friday that an agreement between Iran and Oman was close and could reopen the strait, which carried a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the war.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 26, 2026.
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 15, 2026.

IRGC says re-opening Hormuz dependent on US talks, as Araghchi signals progress on Hormuz deal

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 3, 2026.

Iran war teaches importance of Gulf cooperation with Europe for maritime security, ISPI says

Ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Musandam, Oman, April 18, 2026.

Proposed Hormuz passage deal not feasible for shipping industry, sources say


Saudi tankers make U-turn in Red Sea, head towards Suez following Houthi blockade announcement

The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front against the United States in its war with Iran and raising the threat to global energy supplies.

HOUTHI TERRORISTS carry weapons as they stand near the site of Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, in September. Iran has reportedly lost control of the Houthis, the writer notes.

US still open to diplomatic solution with Iran if attacks in Strait of Hormuz end, Rubio says

Rubio also stated that there was a "growing split" in Iran between the more militant extremists who continue to attack the US and other countries and those who are concerned with Iran's economy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio walks from a vehicle before departing from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on July 19, 2026.

Five survivors found clinging to fish trap after Indonesian boat sinks with dozens missing

Forty-nine survivors were located in total since the boat sank last week, though another 20 people reportedly remain missing as the search continues.

Rescuers search for missing people during an operation after a passenger boat KM Nurul Salsa sank off Selayar island in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, July 17, 2026.

Strait of Hormuz seeing less traffic as threat from Iran increases to commercial sailors - report

According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 17 sailors have been killed since the beginning of the war, with three killed and over a dozen wounded in the last week alone.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 26, 2026.

Blockades and fees: Why are the US’s actions in Hormuz legal while Iran’s are not? - interview

Though US President Donald Trump has since abandoned the idea, he suggested that vessels should pay a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for US military protection.

The Epaminondas ship is seen during seizure by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, in this image obtained by Reuters on April 24, 2026.

Iran's attacks on Emirati tankers leaves Gulf united against Islamic regime - analysis

Gulf solidarity is now emerging in an even larger way than before. While some countries want an agreement that will end the fighting, they are also outraged by Iran’s new attacks.

The VLCC Mobassa B (previously named Front Forth), one of the two tankers which the UAE defense ministry said was struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 18, 2024

Horn of Africa growing increasingly important in Middle East power plays - analysis

Military agreements, port investments, and competing positions on Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan are drawing the African and Arabian shores of the Red Sea into a single geopolitical arena.

The Horn of Africa is seen on a map (illustrative)

Strait of Hormuz traffic slows as US-Iran conflict raises new safety risks

Six vessels transited the strait on Sunday, ship-tracking data from Kpler showed, the lowest number in five weeks.

A ship in the Strait of Hormuz, June 2026

Trump says Strait of Hormuz open to commercial traffic

"We had a meeting with them, where they agreed to a deal that was perfect for us...And then, after that, they left the room and within an hour they launched a drone at a ship," Trump said.

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows cargo ships anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan.

Pineapples stuffed with thousands of smuggled cigarettes intercepted by IDF at Gaza crossing

The cigarette-filled pineapples were transported in a truck carrying a shipment purchased by an Israeli company, intended to reach the Kerem Shalom Crossing as part of humanitarian aid.

Pineapple filled with cigarettes intended to be smuggled across the border into Gaza.