Iran and Oman have finalized the general framework of an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media reports.
Hassan Ghashghavi, a spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told the official news agency IRNA on Friday that Iran and Oman are nearing a deal for managing shipping through the maritime chokepoint, with the final text and details to be announced soon.
Citing a U.S. official, Reuters reported on Friday that progress is being made between Oman and Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, and a deal is expected soon.
Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports, the official said.
Meanwhile, a diplomat from one of the mediating countries told American news website Axios that Iranian negotiators are waiting for the final approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council for a deal with Oman and the United States.
"We expect this approval soon," the diplomat said.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday that Iran and Oman had made progress in talks on establishing a safe commercial shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei told reporters that Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographical coordinates of the proposed route, and are finalizing a joint statement outlining key agreed-upon points.
Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz on Feb 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States, following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The U.S. military launched multiple waves of strikes against Iranian targets last month, saying they were in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the strait and aimed at "degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping."
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region.
Iran, Oman finalize framework for Strait of Hormuz deal
Iran, Oman finalize framework for Strait of Hormuz deal
International tourists are more and more seeking to engage in Chinese culture in depth by traveling historic cities beyond traditional destinations with growing interest in staying longer.
In Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan in central China, 19 Portuguese tourists enjoyed walking through an extensive rammed earth building complex.
Roaming in alleys of the scenic area, they learned more about the agrarian civilization in China and the famous Yellow River.
They had toured around multiple historic cities in Henan, including Kaifeng, Luoyang, and Anyang, in their 11-day stay in China, during which they watched various performance and experienced intangible cultural heritage.
"It's beautiful. It's completely beautiful. I want to make a lot of them. I will put it at my door. So, I have a lot of luck to come here again," said Ana Vilaca, a member of the Portuguese tour group, after experiencing Chinese woodblock printing in the Zhengzhou-based scenic area.
"[I am] very interested in this kind of tourism, not only tourism, but also to learn many things about culture and traditions and everything about China," said Paulo Mesquita Pinto, another of the group, as he experienced Chinese calligraphy in Zhengzhou.
The tour was organized by a Chinese school in Portugal, which offers a good opportunity for students and even their friends and relatives to experience Chinese culture in person.
"We didn't expect such enthusiasm. There were many applicants, who are not confined to our students, there are their friends and relatives," said Chen Qiaoqiao, a teacher in the school.
China has been witnessing booming inbound arrivals thanks to the country's visa-free policies.
It now offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of 50 countries. Nationals from 55 countries can now utilize the 240-hour visa-free transit program to enter China via 65 designated ports.
"Definitely. Yeah, we can very flexible to come and go as we need to do business. It's good," said Justin Wird, an international traveler, after landing in an airport in Zhengzhou.
Official data showed China's border inspection agencies handled a record 369 million inbound and outbound crossings in the first half of 2026, up 10.8 percent year on year. Among them, mainland residents accounted for 176 million trips, while foreign nationals made 45.9 million trips, with both figures registering double-digit growth.
Int'l tourists seek Chinese culture in depth
