And just hours after the US called off major strikes against Iran, the country announced it was nearing a deal with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

Iranian media denied that Tehran had asked the US not to strike, but a lawmaker confirmed that mediators were trying to revive an agreement on a comprehensive agreement.

US President Donald Trump had threatened to hit Iran 'very hard' and was reportedly considering renewed attacks against the country's energy infrastructure. However, following the US suspension of its planned attack, Trump said the 'perimeters' of a deal were in place.

Trump's decision to suspend the attack was seen as a result of a flurry of diplomacy, including talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The US president said he was willing to cancel the attack 'subject to being able to rapidly make a deal.'

Meanwhile, Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi said mediators were trying to revive the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, which was agreed in June. The memorandum was not intended as a final peace deal, but as a stepping stone to negotiations on a comprehensive agreement.

Posting on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: 'We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed.' The Strait of Hormuz has been at the centre of the failed diplomatic efforts so far, with Iran insisting on retaining control and charging tolls.

"We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to."

  • Donald Trump, US President

Iran is close to a deal with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

A deal would have to include the 'Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.'

The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz sparked the return to strikes last month, as Tehran refused to let ships travel any route other than one which hugs the Iranian coast.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that a deal was close with Oman, which sits on the other side of the strait, over a new route through it. 'We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides — neither the northern route nor the southern route — but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security,' he said.

However, he insisted that such an agreement did not mean the reopening of the strait.