(NewsNation) — A deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be announced as early as Thursday as Iranian and Omani negotiations are reportedly finalizing a draft agreement to reopen the key shipping route.
Iran said Wednesday the agreement with Oman is in its “final stage” of drafting, while President Donald Trump has suggested an announcement could come this week.
The proposal still requires approval from Iran’s supreme leader and could also require the White House to sign off before taking effect.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the tentative agreement would divide responsibility for the strait, with Iran overseeing the northern portion closest to its coastline and Oman managing the southern shipping lane used by most commercial vessels.
Iran president says supreme leader is difficult to contact
The deal is also expected to require the U.S. to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. In exchange, commercial traffic through the strait would resume under international maritime law. Negotiators have also discussed a transit fee that would be shared by Iran and Oman.
The Trump administration has previously opposed any agreement that would give Iran greater control over the waterway, while Tehran has insisted it will not return to the prewar arrangement that treated the strait as an open international waterway.
Officials say a temporary agreement could ease tensions, restore commercial shipping and potentially create an opening for broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Australia grants citizenship to 2 Iranian women soccer players
Two Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum in Australia have been granted citizenship.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said Thursday they were sworn in by Immigration Minister Tony Burke in Brisbane the day before. Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony.
Ramezanisadeh expressed pride and gratitude in becoming an Australian citizen.
Pasandideh described it as one of the happiest days of her life.
The Refugee Council of Australia noted citizenship usually requires four years on a valid visa. The women joined Brisbane Roar after Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asia Cup hosted by Australia.
Trump promises ‘miracle’ with potential deal
On Wednesday, Trump again predicted a breakthrough, saying lower oil and gasoline prices would follow an agreement with Iran.
“As soon as this situation ends with Iran, oil is going to go down to the floor, gasoline is going to go down,” Trump said. “We will have completed something in a short period of time. That is a miracle.”
Vice President JD Vance also acknowledged ongoing negotiations during an interview Wednesday, saying the administration remains focused on securing what he described as the best outcome for the American people.
Despite the apparent progress, critics argue the proposed agreement would give Iran more influence over the strait than it held before the conflict, amounting to a significant concession by the U.S.
Israel-Lebanon peace talks continue
Another obstacle in these negotiations is the conflict in southern Lebanon.
However, peace talks could resume Thursday after ending early Wednesday.
Israel bombed Lebanon after an attack on troops. That’s when Israel launched a new round of strikes in southern Lebanon, claiming Iranian-backed Hezbollah violated the terms of the ceasefire.
Cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems grow
According to the FBI, water systems in at least seven U.S. states have been targeted in a growing wave of cyberattacks.
Multiple water systems across Minnesota were hacked last week. Officials in Michigan, New Jersey, Georgia and South Dakota say they were also targeted, and the numbers could grow.
The investigation is ongoing, but signs are pointing toward Iran, which has targeted U.S. infrastructure for years now.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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