Nicholas Grossman – MS Now Aug 7, 2026Iran and Oman are reportedly finalizing a deal to control the Strait of Hormuz, charging ships fees for passage, and potentially blocking ships from “hostile countries.” In February, before Trump started the war, Hormuz was open, treated as an international waterway, free to all. The deal front-loaded sanctions relief and other economic benefits for Iran, and punted on all U.S. war aims. It effectively acknowledged Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would “make arrangements” to manage it with Oman, and wouldn’t charge any fees “for 60 days only.” Now Iran has Oman — which was working with the U.S. before Trump restarted bombing — on board with its plan to control the strait.