Rubio: Progress made in talks to reopen Hormuz, but there’s still some work to do

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that “progress made” in negotiations to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though a final agreement has not yet been reached. President Trump and other officials had previously suggested a deal was imminent. The emerging agreement, which involves Oman and Iran, would establish Iranian-controlled entry and Omani-controlled exit routes, with service fees for security and environmental preservation. However, a US official stated that any “temporary” routes should not involve Iranian approvals or charges, emphasizing a return to the status quo where no party controls transit. Rubio clarified that this deal is separate from discussions on Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, an unnamed cargo vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz, and an Indian ship sank in the Red Sea following an unattributed attack, highlighting ongoing maritime security concerns.