With the 60-day memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 expiring this Sunday, the US and Iran remain deadlocked over control and passage routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military insists that no vessels may pass without permission and denies US claims of "normal" shipping. The US, on the other hand, maintains a hardline stance, with the Defense Minister stating that the naval blockade against Iran could be maintained "indefinitely," and the Finance Minister threatening unprecedented economic measures. According to Kpler data, while the number of merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz slightly increased on Thursday, it remains far below the pre-war daily average of approximately 130 ships. Currently, Iran is not negotiating directly with the US but is discussing new maritime arrangements with Oman, attempting to promote a joint management model. Pakistan's Interior Minister traveled to Tehran on Tuesday to mediate, and all parties are working hard to achieve a breakthrough before the deadline. Analysts suggest that if Iran and Oman reach an agreement, it could provide a way out of the current stalemate and pave the way for a return to long-term ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran.
