Iran and Oman are jointly developing a new central "corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz that serves the interests of both countries, after which the northern and southern routes will be closed, Press TV reported, citing a source. Al Arabiya earlier said that an agreement on fully restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz could be announced within hours. The agreement was expected to include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the elimination of the Iranian nuclear threat. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, said on August 3 that Trump’s claims about direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington were false. He stressed that Iran was negotiating only with Oman on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.