US Claims Progress in Hormuz Strait Opening Agreement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday (24 May) that progress has been made in drafting a framework agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees. Rubio stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is an international shipping lane, not Iranian territory.

‘Significant progress has been made, though it is not yet final,’ Rubio told journalists in New Delhi, referring to indirect US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan.

He added that the US, along with Gulf partners, had made diplomatic progress on the agreement framework in the past 48 hours.

According to Rubio, if successful, the agreement would not only reopen the Strait of Hormuz without fees but also address key issues related to Iran’s past nuclear ambitions.

However, he stressed that the deal requires full Iranian acceptance and compliance, as well as further technical negotiations.

US President Donald Trump previously contacted several Middle Eastern leaders on Saturday night to discuss negotiations with Iran.

Trump said the agreement was mostly finalised and awaiting completion.

‘The ultimate goal is for Iran never to possess nuclear weapons,’ Rubio said.

He noted Iran’s nuclear programme is a technical issue that may take time to resolve.

‘We prefer to resolve this issue through diplomatic channels,’ Rubio added.

He added the world may soon receive good news, at least regarding the Strait of Hormuz.