A high-ranking American official stated that a deal with Iran to resume operations in the Strait of Hormuz could be reached as early as 'today or tomorrow'. This information caused oil prices to drop due to hopes of increased supplies through this vital waterway, reports AFP.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that there is a possibility of reaching an agreement in the coming hours, thereby supporting President Donald Trump's statements.
Speaking from the White House on Monday, Trump continued to mix optimism about diplomacy with threats, warning that it was 'Iran's last chance before decapitation'.
Tehran and Washington have been in conflict since February 28, when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran. Despite achieving a ceasefire and preliminary agreements in subsequent months, diplomatic efforts have failed to end the confrontation.
Representatives from Qatar and the US reported that negotiations are underway between Iran and the US with the aim of resuming shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, although Tehran has not yet confirmed this information.
US President Donald Trump stated that this is the 'last chance' for Iran to reach an agreement 'before decapitation,' while Iran emphasized that it 'does not seek to escalate the war.'
The US Treasury Secretary noted that the deal between the US and Iran could happen 'today or tomorrow.' Marco Rubio also reported achieving 'progress' today and that 'the agreement will happen very soon,' but added that there is 'no finality yet.' Amid hopes for a swift deal, oil prices have fallen.
It is reported that Iran is negotiating with Oman regarding the division of control over maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the plan, Tehran will control the inbound route, while Muscat will ensure the passage of vessels for exit after notification from Iran about the outbound route.
Some vessels, including Iraqi tankers, are reportedly passing through the Strait of Hormuz, although one vessel was attacked at night, and its crew abandoned the burning ship.
Furthermore, Lebanon and Israel are holding a new round of direct talks in Rome. This comes against the backdrop of Hezbollah's statement that negotiations with Israel would bring 'shame' and 'humiliation' to Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Scott Bessent reported that the United States could reach an agreement with Iran to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as early as Wednesday. He also noted that such an agreement would contribute to stabilizing energy prices.
In an interview with CNBC, Bessent stated that negotiations are underway with the Iranian side, and he considers it likely that a deal will be reached today or tomorrow to open the strait and move toward a more normalized situation in this conflict.
He expressed optimism about the impact of a potential agreement with Iran on global energy prices, given that hundreds of ships are awaiting passage through this area.
Bessent added that despite some instability in recent days, a significant number of vessels are moving through. He predicts that as a result of this agreement, energy prices should return to previous levels, which would positively affect the entire world.
US military forces stated that the Iranian government's assertion about closing the Strait of Hormuz is false.
The US Central Command published a statement on the social network X emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessels. The message indicated that Iran does not control this waterway, and that thousands of ships have passed through the international passage in the last four months.
Previously, Iran had claimed to have stopped two vessels attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz, and also reported that four tankers were forced to turn back after intervention by Iranian forces.
