US officials hopeful for Strait of Hormuz deal with Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington is involved in negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.

He said Iranian and Omani negotiators are working to allow more ships to pass safely through the waterway, and the United States is taking part in those talks. Earlier on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about a breakthrough.

He told CNBC that the US and Iran may reach a deal to reopen the waterway as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Iranian officials continue to deny holding direct talks with the US. They have also been warning ships to only use Tehran's approved routes. Iran's state TV said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei commented on the talks with Oman. He said they are making progress at the "technical and political levels."