U.S. says Strait of Hormuz is 'free and open' as Bessent says deal with Iran is close

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows cargo ships anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan.AFPTV | Getty ImagesThe U.S. military said the Strait of Hormuz was open for all commercial vessels to transit, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that an Iran deal is close. U.S. Central Command said the "southern route of the Strait of Hormuz remains free and open" in a post on X, highlighting that it had assisted more than 1,000 vessels in transiting the waterway despite "unwarranted" Iranian aggression. The southern route passes through Omani territorial waters, rather than the part closer to Iran. Map of the Strait of Hormuz showing the shipping corridor coordinated by Oman, the Iran-designated corridor, and the location of Iranian attacks on boats on July 6 and 7 (Graphic by AFP via Getty Images)Nicholas Shearman,sherine Elsayary,luca Matteucci | Afp Infographics | Getty ImagesThe announcement comes as oil prices also fell sharply Tuesday, following remarks by U.S. Treasury Scott Bessent that there may be a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz as soon as this week."We are in talks with t...