Ships in the Strait of Hormuz in Oman last week. More than two-fifths of the petroleum and liquefied natural gas transiting the strait is typically bound for Asian markets. Credit:  Reuters

NNA News - Diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear to be gaining momentum, with officials from the United States, Iran and regional mediators signalling progress in talks aimed at restoring one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital gateway for global energy supplies, linking the Persian Gulf to international markets. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has significant implications for global oil prices, international trade and energy security, including for African economies that depend on stable fuel imports.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an agreement could be reached within days. "I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict," Bessent told CNBC. U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed optimism, saying Washington was engaged in "very good discussions" with Iran, while warning that Tehran would face serious consequences if the strategic waterway was not reopened soon.

Iran, however, disputed Washington's account of the negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran was not engaged in direct negotiations with the United States, explaining that discussions were instead taking place with Oman regarding the future management of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei described those discussions as constructive at both the technical and political levels, saying Iran and Oman were working to establish mechanisms to regulate future maritime traffic while safeguarding the sovereignty and national security of both countries.

According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, any final agreement will be announced once the negotiations have concluded. Iranian state media also quoted a senior official as saying that a proposed new shipping corridor would replace the existing northern and southern maritime routes, describing the measure as a defensive arrangement consistent with international law and the protection of territorial waters.

A woman walks past a mural depicting Iranian fighter jets on a street in Tehran as diplomatic efforts continue over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Xinhua | Tehran, Iran | 5 August 2026.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington remained involved in discussions facilitated by Oman. "There has been progress in those talks, but not finality yet. We're hoping that will happen very shortly," Rubio told reporters. Regional mediation efforts have also intensified. Qatar confirmed that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran remain active, with draft proposals continuing to be exchanged through mediators. Adviser to Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said negotiations had reached "very progressive stages."

According to Al Ansari, Qatar, Pakistan and Oman are working together to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He said the immediate priority remained preventing further escalation, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating conditions for broader diplomatic engagement. For Africa, developments in the Strait of Hormuz are being closely watched because the waterway remains one of the world's most important energy corridors. Any prolonged disruption could increase fuel costs, raise shipping expenses and place additional pressure on inflation and economic growth across the continent.