"The agreement with Oman is in the 'final stage' of drafting," Baghaei said, adding that a joint statement would be issued "if certain parties do not obstruct this process." The proposed deal follows a June understanding between Washington and Tehran that sought to end fighting and reopen the waterway but ultimately collapsed. Washington has repeatedly rejected any agreement allowing Iran to collect such fees. He described efforts to end the conflict as "messy" and said negotiations sometimes require moving backward before moving forward. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas previously passed, has seen shipping severely disrupted during the conflict, driving up energy prices and increasing pressure on the global economy.