Iranian negotiators conveyed to the United States that they were prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, shortly before President Trump halted planned large-scale strikes against Iran, according to reports. However, elements within Iran's military leadership are now denying that any such agreement was reached.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly informed Qatari and American diplomats that Tehran would consider concessions regarding the Strait of Hormuz. These potential concessions included allowing ships to transit through Iranian waters and exit via Oman. Nearly a fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies once passed through this strait.
Despite these reports, other Iranian officials have publicly stated that no deal concerning the strait has been made. An Iranian official, speaking to Fars News Agency, which has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, "There is no agreement whatsoever regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the reports published on the subject are false."
The reported breakdown in a potential cease-fire comes after Iran began targeting vessels navigating Hormuz via a route through Omani waters, a passage the U.S. had opened. Iran has previously asserted its right to charge tolls for ships crossing the strait, a claim that contravenes international law.
President Trump had indicated a diplomatic breakthrough when he decided to postpone planned extensive strikes against Iran, which were rumored to include attacks on critical infrastructure. Trump posted on social media that Iran and "other Middle Eastern Countries" had requested a hold on any attack pending a deal. He stated this potential deal would involve "the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat."
Trump added that he had agreed to cancel the attack "for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL." He also emphasized that the U.S. remained prepared, stating, "we are locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II."
Trump's decision to pause military action followed a conversation with Saudi leader Muhammad bin Salman, who reportedly urged restraint. Saudi media reported that bin Salman "emphasized the need to use the language of dialogue to reduce escalation and the importance of making all possible efforts to achieve a calming."
Oman had also reportedly supported the proposal. However, questions persist about the alignment between Foreign Minister Araghchi and the IRGC, which has often advocated for a more hardline stance compared to the political negotiators. The IRGC leadership has historically obstructed deals during negotiations with the U.S., a situation that has led to frustration among U.S. officials during past discussions.
This is not the first instance where President Trump has threatened significant military action against Iran, only to subsequently delay or cancel the strikes amidst optimism for a diplomatic resolution.