Iran Says Hormuz Deal Is Near, But US Must Meet Key Conditions

DUBAI/WASHINGTON/CAIRO — Iran said on Sunday that an agreement with Oman to establish new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz had reached its “final stages”, but stressed that the strategically important waterway would not reopen until the United States met additional conditions set by Tehran.

Trump Signals Iran Deal, But Markets Rise Despite No Breakthrough

WASHINGTON, United States — Financial markets rallied this week after US officials and President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be imminent, even though no deal materialised and Tehran continued to deny that it was negotiating directly with Washington.

Senate Passes Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill Named for Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON, United States — The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation targeting Russia and Iran with new sanctions, advancing the measure after months of stalled negotiations and naming it in honor of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of its strongest supporters. The bill passed 86-11 and now moves to the Republican-controlled House, where its prospects remain uncertain.

US Sees Near-Term Hormuz Deal as Gulf States Sign Defense Pact

WASHINGTON, United States — The United States expects a possible agreement between Iran and Oman that could restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense pact amid escalating regional tensions. The developments came as Washington continued diplomatic efforts to contain the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel and Iranian-backed groups.