# US obstructing Iran-Oman deal on Hormuz Strait security Tensions rise as US blocks agreement for safe passage through the world's most critical oil chokepoint. - **Source:** [US Top News and Analysis](https://brifing.si/source/635540e9-943e-450d-ae52-ae0bfe3b67eb) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/42b665f7-1cb5-448a-a660-7d60eb3b69af ## Iran accuses US of obstruction Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed the US is blocking a security agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. The military wing announced a revenue-sharing deal with Oman including administration fees. They warned the strait would remain closed unless the US accepts Iran's terms, escalating tensions in the vital oil transit route. ## Joint navigation corridor proposal Iran and Oman's foreign ministers discussed establishing a temporary joint navigation corridor through Hormuz. Technical talks continue for mine clearance projects and traffic management systems. Both nations aim to finalize agreements for a permanent corridor and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure safe passage. ## Oil prices decline Brent crude fell below $90/barrel following the announcements. Only 5 commercial vessels transited Hormuz on Tuesday - below the 10-day average of 15. Normally 20% of global crude flows through this chokepoint. The US redeploying diplomats to Gulf states signaled reduced expectations of military escalation. ## US economic pressure campaign Treasury Secretary Bessent announced plans for an 'economic D-day' against Iran, targeting Tehran's trade partners. A sanctions list includes 60 individuals, entities and vessels. Notably, the US has held off sanctioning Chinese financial firms allegedly facilitating Iran's oil trade, showing diplomatic caution. ## China's retaliation warning China, which buys 90% of Iran's oil, threatened countermeasures if the US pressures nations trading with Tehran. A foreign ministry spokesperson vowed to 'take all necessary measures to safeguard rights.' The China-US tension adds complexity to resolving the Hormuz standoff through economic or military means. ## Ceasefire rumors RIA Novosti reported potential US-Iran ceasefire announcement in coming days, citing Iranian and Pakistani sources. The unverified claim suggests freedom of navigation through Hormuz. While unconfirmed by the White House, diplomatic movements indicate decreasing military tensions despite harsh rhetoric from both sides. ## Global energy implications Hormuz tensions threaten the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Closure could shock global markets - prices spiked 20% during 2019 tensions until OPEC intervened. Current price declines suggest markets discount near-term conflict risks. However, prolonged disruption could trigger emergency stockpile releases and alternative route searches. ## Regional power dynamics Oman's mediation and China's support for Iran complicate US pressure strategies. Hormuz has become the focal point where energy security meets great power competition. Analysts warn economic sanctions could escalate without diplomatic solutions, potentially drawing more regional players into the confrontation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/26/us-iran-war-trump-hormuz.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._