WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran appeared to move closer to a breakthrough, with international media reports suggesting that an initial agreement could be reached within the next 24 hours.
Officials involved in the negotiations said talks were in their final stages, although differences reportedly remain over Iran’s nuclear programme and the scope of sanctions relief. According to international media reports, any preliminary agreement would likely be followed by further technical negotiations to finalise its terms.
The reported progress came amid renewed security concerns in the Gulf region.
A commercial tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile near the coast of Oman late on Friday, maritime authorities said. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the vessel was hit about six nautical miles east of Oman.
All crew members were reported safe and no pollution was detected. The vessel continued its voyage after the incident, while authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the strike.
According to international media reports, the incident occurred amid heightened military activity around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The developments highlight the fragile security situation in the region even as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran appear to be gathering momentum.
Reports says, no official announcement on a final agreement had been made by either the United States or Iran at the time of publication.
