US sees progress on Strait of Hormuz deal as West Asia tensions simmer
A senior US official reported on Friday that progress is being made between Iran and Oman towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz, potentially restoring oil exports disrupted by the five-month-old conflict between the United States and Iran. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a deal between Iran and Oman over control of the strategic waterway is seen as crucial to a wider peace agreement.
The development comes amid multiple flashpoints across West Asia. In Yemen, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed an attack on a military camp held by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in Marib province. A Yemeni military source said eight personnel were killed in the province, though the claim could not be independently verified.
In a video message, former US President Donald Trump said, "Iran war will end pretty soon, they can't go much longer," suggesting a possible conclusion to hostilities. The remark drew attention as diplomatic efforts appear to be gaining momentum.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi received an invitation to visit Riyadh, his office said on Friday. This follows a period of heightened tensions after Tehran-backed groups announced they would delay their response to deadly US-Saudi strikes in Iraq last month. Those strikes came after Riyadh said its forces had intercepted drones targeting oil facilities, blaming Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
In a separate development, a joint defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan has drawn criticism from a prominent Iranian lawmaker. The agreement, which treats an attack on one as an attack on all three, solidifies cooperation between the three regional powers amid growing security concerns. The Iranian lawmaker said the deal will not bring security to Riyadh, signalling potential regional unease.
The signing of the defence pact underscores the shifting alliances in West Asia. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state, and Turkiye, a NATO member, have deepened their engagement with Saudi Arabia, a key US ally. The pact is seen as a response to a range of security threats, including missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure.
Analysts note that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global oil markets. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes through the waterway, and its closure has contributed to price volatility. A US-Iran deal, mediated by Oman, could ease these pressures and create a foundation for broader discussions on regional stability.
However, obstacles remain. The Houthi attack in Marib and the delayed Iraqi response highlight the fragility of the current situation. The US official's remarks suggesting an imminent deal were tempered by caution, with the official noting that "nothing is finalised until it is finalised."
As regional powers engage in diplomatic overtures, the international community watches closely. The invitation for the Iraqi PM to Riyadh may signal a thaw in Iraq-Saudi relations, despite the recent strikes. Similarly, the defence pact among Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan is likely to be a central topic in upcoming diplomatic engagements.
For now, the focus remains on the Strait of Hormuz. A successful Iran-Oman agreement could not only restore oil flows but also pave the way for a broader peace arrangement. Yet, the path to such a deal is fraught with complexities, and the situation on the ground remains volatile.
