UAE says Iran had attacked a carrier affiliated with the UAE’s state oil companyIn recent weeks, the US has repeatedly signalled that a deal to open Hormuz could be close, only to have Iran deny that talks are under way. PHOTO: REUTERS[CAIRO/WASHINGTON/DUBAI] Iran said on Saturday (Aug 8) that a deal with Oman on control of the Strait of Hormuz was close but would not be enough to free up the waterway, and the United Arab Emirates said Iran had hit another ship there. A US official, who declined to be identified, said on Friday that Washington anticipated an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, so normal oil traffic could resume. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi said Iran and Oman were “very close” to an agreement on a new shipping route through the strait, but reopening it would depend on other conditions, including US compensation to Iran. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has repeatedly signalled that a deal to open the strait could be close, only to have Iran deny that talks are under way.