NYT: US, Iran reach preliminary agreement on Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz, though the details of the arrangement have yet to be finalised, The New York Times reports.

The outlet said it remains unclear whether Iran will retain any control over the maritime corridor.

It noted that the uncertainty was further deepened by a recent statement from a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, who, according to Iranian media, said that Tehran has a legal right to manage the strait.

Earlier, a senior Iranian official told CNN that ongoing mediated negotiations between Washington and Tehran are showing significant advancement and could represent a “turning point” in attempts to resolve the conflict and usher in a “new era of stability and prosperity to our region.”

The source said: “We hope the Trump administration seizes this opportunity for a lasting and stable solution.”

On Saturday, May 23, US President Donald Trump stated that a wider agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” while noting that several technical details are still being finalized with Tehran and “various other countries.”

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov