President Donald Trump and Iranian officials held negotiations throughout the day on Wednesday, with reports indicating the two sides aim to announce a provisional agreement on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The talks center on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Reuters reports that a temporary deal could be unveiled as soon as August 5, though no official confirmation has been made public. The U.S. Secretary of State separately said an agreement could be reached within the next day or two, according to TV Asahi.
The negotiations come amid parallel diplomatic efforts involving regional intermediaries. The Japanese newspaper Nikkei reported that Iran and Oman have been in discussions over reopening the strait, with a deal described as "imminent" in U.S. press accounts. Qatar's foreign ministry has also confirmed that a draft agreement between Washington and Tehran is currently being circulated for review, according to CNN.
The Yomiuri Shimbun added that the U.S. Secretary of State described progress toward a final accord to end hostilities with Iran, while expressing optimism about the Iran-Oman talks. The exact terms of the proposed interim arrangement have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the deal would address broader sanctions or only the immediate navigation issue.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint in recent weeks, with disruptions threatening energy markets. An interim agreement would mark a significant step toward de-escalation, though observers will watch whether a more permanent settlement follows.
What to watch next: Whether the Thursday announcement materializes as reported, and whether the interim deal holds beyond the immediate reopening of the strait.
