THERE is a “50-50” chance that Iran and Oman will reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Friday, a senior Gulf official has said. It followed claims from US President Donald Trump that an agreement to end his nation’s war with Iran could come any day now. Despite the vague announcements, Iran said its talks with Oman to reopen the strait were progressing “positively,” but it denied having spoken to Washington. The officials portrayed the potential deal as a temporary solution tied to the June agreement, which ultimately collapsed. They said the deal would pave the way for the US and Iran to resume negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme.