Hundreds of vessels remain stuck in Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran talks stall

Hundreds of vessels carrying containers and oil remain at a standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, with thousands of seafarers still trapped aboard as tensions between Washington and Tehran show no sign of easing.

Commercial shipping through the strategic waterway has been halted since late February, when the strait was effectively closed following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil passed through the chokepoint.

With the 60-day window for US-Iran peace talks now expiring, there has been no indication of an extension, and both sides appear as far apart as when negotiations began. The full reopening of the strait remains a key American demand.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that an understanding has been reached with Oman on a transit-route map for ships. Under the emerging plan, vessels would enter through a route close to Iran and exit near Oman, with no fees or tolls during an interim period. The two countries are now working to finalise a joint statement.

The US, meanwhile, has insisted on an acceptable deal to reopen the strait before it lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. President Donald Trump has again directed threats toward Oman, which borders the strait and is central to the proposed shipping arrangement.