Good News for the World: The US-Iran War May Soon Be Over

Iran has claimed the United States is ready to return to previously agreed commitments, following signals from President Donald Trump that a new deal between Washington and Tehran is drawing closer. Despite this, Tehran insists no direct negotiations are currently underway with the US. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibadadi stated that communication is being channelled through Oman as a mediator, rather than through direct talks with Washington. “This line of understanding is between Iran and Oman, and no negotiations with the US are taking place during this period,” Gharibadadi said in an interview with state news agency IRNA, quoted on Thursday. While denying direct talks, Gharibadadi noted that Washington has shown readiness to return to its commitments. The statement is believed to refer to a memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June, under which Iran agreed to allow commercial vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without charge for 60 days, while the US committed to lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ships, along with several other measures. The positive signal emerged after Trump said on Monday that a deal with Iran was being prepared. He even accused the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran of being “two-faced” regarding peace talks, while asserting that the process is ongoing “whether Iran admits it or not.” Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagahei revealed that a joint statement by Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz is now in the final review and drafting stage. He said the process would be completed provided “certain third parties do not obstruct efforts in this regard.” A report by Axios on Tuesday evening US time also indicated that the US, Iran, and Oman are close to reaching a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said a deal concerning the strategic shipping lane could potentially be reached by Wednesday at the latest. Meanwhile, the US Central Command has confirmed that the southern lane of the Strait of Hormuz remains safe and open to all international commercial vessels. However, the UK Maritime Trade Organisation reported an explosion near a tanker off the coast of Yemen and Oman on Wednesday, indicating that the security situation in the region is not yet fully stable.