Although Iran denied the United States was involved in the negotiations, it confirmed ongoing talks with Oman. Iranian state television reported that the discussions center on establishing a “middle corridor” through the Strait of Hormuz to be controlled by Iran and Oman. “The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on a change in US behavior and the correction of its violations,” state broadcaster IRIB said. “The Strait is going to be open very soon, or they are going to get hit very hard, and then the strait is going to be open,” Trump said. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade, was effectively closed by Iran after US and Israeli strikes in late February.