Negotiations over new shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz advanced while indirect diplomatic efforts and military activity continued across the wider region, with Israel and Lebanon holding another day of talks alongside ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
Iran said it is close to finalising an agreement with Oman that would establish new navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz, following what officials described as agreement on the geographical coordinates for vessel transit.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the proposed arrangement would allow commercial ships to pass through Iranian territorial waters on both inbound and outbound journeys.
He also said the United States had sent messages indicating it was "fully prepared to return to its commitments" under the memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June.
Iranian officials said talks with Oman had reached "fundamental understandings" and that progress was "on the verge of being finalised."
One of the remaining unresolved issues is the question of passage fees, with differing positions reported between Iran, Oman and the United States.
Shipping associations have meanwhile urged the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation to oppose any new transit charges, warning they would mark a significant departure from established international practice.
Analysts said the proposed arrangement would introduce two shipping lanes, one along the Omani and UAE coastline and another along the Iranian coast.
While the framework has been described as a breakthrough, questions remain over fees and the long-term viability of the navigation system.
Concerns also remain over whether traffic through the strait can return to previous levels, with uncertainty surrounding conditions in the central section of the waterway.
Iran also said its military remains fully prepared against potential threats, adding that operational readiness is being strengthened through new equipment and the modernisation of damaged systems.
Israeli and Lebanese negotiators continued a third day of US-brokered talks in Rome focused on Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon and the dismantling of Hezbollah's military infrastructure.
The discussions follow earlier agreement on a pilot withdrawal zone covering three villages, although Lebanese authorities say continued Israeli military operations are slowing broader implementation.
A key point of disagreement remains Ali al-Taher Hill in Nabatieh, while Israeli officials maintain that no further withdrawals will take place until Hezbollah is disarmed.
The negotiations continued as Israeli forces carried out further air attacks in southern Lebanon following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in an explosion in Majdal Selem.