Middle East crisis live: Qatar says diplomatic efforts ‘ongoing’ as Iran insists it does not seek to expand war

Iran and Oman have made progress toward a deal to reopen the strait of Hormuz, a potential breakthrough that could help end the war in the Middle East, regional officials have said.

Under the emerging agreement, ships would enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman, with service fees charged for providing security and preserving the maritime environment, two regional officials told the Associated Press.

They said negotiations are still underway and that the final agreement could take a different form. They said any deal would be linked to lifting the US blockade on Iran’s ports.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations unfolding behind closed doors.