On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Iran announced it was close to reaching a deal with Oman on establishing a new route through the Strait of Hormuz. This development came hours after the United States called off planned major strikes against Iran to facilitate diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the US and Israel had agreed to hold off on new strikes on Iran, noting that the "perimeter" of a deal was in place. Trump said, "we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to."

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has been ongoing since February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran. Despite intermittent diplomacy leading to periods of calm, recent renewed strikes had raised fears of escalation. Trump had threatened to hit Iran "very hard" and was reportedly considering attacks on energy infrastructure, with US embassies across the region on alert.

However, after a series of diplomatic engagements, including discussions with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the US leader appeared to change course.

Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesman for the parliament's national security commission, said mediators were working to revive the Islamabad memorandum of understanding agreed upon in June. He stated, "We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides -- neither the northern route nor the southern route -- but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security."

The new route aims to ensure the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," according to Iranian statements. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in the negotiations, with ongoing exchanges of views between the involved parties.

A photo from July 27, 2026, shows cargo ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, highlighting the strategic importance of the area.

Sources