Iran has intensified regional diplomacy while maintaining strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, with talks with Oman reportedly nearing their final stage. In a cabinet briefing, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said bilateral negotiations concerning the strait had reached their last phase. The report was published on August 3, 2026, citing confirmation from senior levels of the Iranian government.

Araghchi also held renewed high-level telephone discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir on regional security and stability. Analysts described Iran’s approach as two-pronged: extending diplomatic engagement with regional states while retaining geopolitical control over the strait and signaling military capability.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the Oman meetings aim to create a bilateral framework for ship movement in maritime waters and are intended solely to protect Iranian and Omani interests. He said the process is not part of talks with the United States and does not mean the Strait of Hormuz will be directly reopened. Baghaei added that conditions in the strait would not return to their pre-war state and accused the United States of launching a military attack on Iran before a stated deadline expired.