Rubio says progress made in talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said progress has been made in diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as mediators seek to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran despite Iran denying that direct negotiations are under way.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department on August 4, Rubio said discussions had advanced but had not yet reached a final agreement, Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.  

"There's been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We're hoping that will happen very shortly," he said.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism, saying an agreement on reopening the strategic waterway could be reached as early as August 4 or 5.

Qatar's foreign ministry said mediation efforts involving Qatar, Oman and Pakistan had reached "very progressive stages", with the three countries coordinating the exchange of draft proposals between the United States and Iran.

However, Tehran rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that talks with Washington had already begun. Iranian officials insisted no negotiations with the United States were taking place, saying their only current discussions were with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz and that no major meetings were scheduled this week.

By Aghakazim Guliyev