Iran says that a deal with Oman defining new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz was in its final stages but reiterated that the waterway would only reopen once the United States met other conditions. The United States began air strikes on Iran in late February, saying it aimed to ensure the Islamic Republic could not acquire nuclear weapons or threaten the region with missiles or proxies. “Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports,” the US official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Araqchi said reopening the strait would depend on conditions including US compensation to Iran for its widespread attacks. The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that Iran had attacked a ship affiliated to its state oil company.