Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Hopes Face New Uncertainty

PERTH, Australia — Oil prices climbed on Monday as uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continued to keep traders cautious, with Iran saying discussions with Oman on new shipping lanes were in their final stages but stressing that additional conditions involving the United States still needed to be met.

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.

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.

Proposed Hormuz Deal Could Give Iran Greater Control Over Gulf Shipping as Negotiations Continue

A proposed agreement being discussed between Iran and Oman could hand Tehran a significant role in overseeing ships entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Iranian source and two regional officials familiar with the negotiations. If implemented, the arrangement would mark one of the most consequential changes to the management of one of the world’s busiest energy trade routes, although officials involved in the talks cautioned that key issues remain unresolved and that no final agreement has yet been reached.