Iran, US reach tentative deal to reopen Hormuz by easing naval blockade: Report

Iran and the United States have reportedly reached an agreement that entails easing the American naval blockade on Iranian ports. Sources close to the matter told Al Arabiya that the US agreed to the move in exchange for a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a crucial waterway.

Sources told the news outlet that both sides reached an understanding over the matter. It is pertient to note that Iran had blocked the Strait at the start of the conflict, leading to disruption in global energy supplies.

“Agreements have been reached regarding easing the blockade in exchange for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The coming hours will witness the release of ships stuck in the strait,” sources, who asked to remain anonymous, told Al Arabiya.

Pakistan welcomes the new

Interestingly, the reports of the agreement came just hours after US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a deal with Iran, saying talks have been “very good” and that the war will “be over quickly”. However, he also warned that if Iran does not agree to the deal, it can face more bombings.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, which has been struggling to mediate between the two nations has welcomed the news. On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement, lauding the potential agreement between Iran and the US, adding that it “will not disclose additional information at this stage.”

“As mediators, we will not lose the trust of both parties by revealing details,” the ministry said in a statement to Al Jazeera Arabic. It added that while it did not have information on which country would host the delegations, “it would be an honour for us if it were in Islamabad.”