President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a new deal with Iran is "imminent," as high-level negotiations are scheduled to resume on Monday. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman concerning the future of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Major combat operations between the U.S. and Iran commenced on February 28, following massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military, government, and infrastructure sites. Delegations from both nations entered into negotiations in June, aiming for a war-ending agreement based on a previously signed memorandum of understanding. However, exchanges of strikes have persisted, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a primary point of contention.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz will "under no circumstances" return to its pre-war condition, irrespective of current negotiations with Oman. He indicated that any new arrangements must ensure Iran's sovereign rights are fully respected and prevent the waterway's misuse by aggressors. Baqaei cited a disruption to plans for securing commercial shipping, as outlined in the June memorandum, due to recent acts of aggression against Iran.

According to Baqaei, during the initial weeks of the agreement's implementation, the northern route of the Strait was secure for maritime traffic. However, this stability was interrupted before the full 30-day period for restoring pre-war conditions for shipping concluded. The conflict has led to ships using either the northern route along the Iranian coast or the southern route along the Omani coast. The ongoing talks with Oman are reportedly focused on establishing a new transit route.

President Trump also revealed that he had called off planned strikes against Iran over the weekend at the request of Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. He indicated that the decision to halt operations was made after these allies requested a postponement, suggesting a willingness to explore diplomatic solutions.

Baqaei further asserted that Tehran would not be swayed by external pressures, stating that assumptions of Iran retreating from its principles due to threats or media campaigns are unrealistic. He emphasized that Iran's actions would be guided by its national interests, underscoring a firm stance in the ongoing diplomatic and military landscape.

The memorandum of understanding signed in June was intended to pave the way for restoring commercial shipping to pre-war conditions. However, the continued exchange of hostilities has complicated the restoration of the existing maritime traffic separation scheme within the Strait.

As negotiations are set to continue on Monday, the international community will be closely watching developments to see if a lasting resolution can be achieved, particularly concerning the security and accessibility of the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.