Abbas Araqchi arrives in Muscat to press for guarantees that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and keep shipping lanes open after attacks on commercial tankers and reciprocal strikes between the US and Iran.Talks continue even after President Donald Trump declared a recent ceasefire over; US officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner say discussions are constructive but demand a public Iranian pledge to ensure free, secure passage.Qatar and
Pakistan are mediating,
Oman and the International Maritime Organization are exploring navigational fees, and casualties plus higher oil prices are increasing pressure on the
White House while diplomats pursue written guarantees to reduce the risk of further escalation.