At the narrow throat of the world's energy supply, Iran and Oman inch toward a shipping agreement that may never fully close — not because the technical details elude them, but because the deeper demands reach far beyond the waterway itself. Since February, when American and Israeli strikes drew Iran into open confrontation, the Strait of Hormuz has become less a geographic passage than a political ultimatum, with Tehran insisting that Washington pay compensation, lift sanctions, and fundamentally reshape its regional posture before a single commercial vessel moves freely again. The talks cont
Iran claims Hormuz deal near but demands US concessions to reopen waterway
Food and basic goods prices have increased rapidly in Iran since the conflict began in February, affecting civilian access to necessities.