05.08.2026 19:51
As US-Iran talks continue with discussions over the Strait of Hormuz, a notable step came from Washington. The US Treasury Department removed Iraq-based Fly Baghdad, its aircraft, and its owner from the sanctions list, which had previously been sanctioned for alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. Meanwhile, Iran announced that an agreement had been reached with Oman regarding the characteristics of the maritime shipping route in the strait.
The US Treasury Department updated its webpage containing counter-terrorism sanctions while US-Iran negotiations continue.
IRAN-RELATED IRAQI AIRLINE REMOVED FROM SANCTIONS LIST
Accordingly, the department removed the Iraqi airline "Fly Baghdad," its aircraft, and the company's owner from the sanctions list, which had been added in January 2024 on the grounds that it provided support to the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Although this decision is largely a step concerning Iraq, the removal of an entity linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from the sanctions list drew attention.
IRAN: AGREEMENT REACHED ON GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE MARITIME ROUTE
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that the Tehran and Muscat administrations have reached an agreement on the geographical features of the planned maritime transport route in the strait.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghaei stated that a joint statement regarding the agreement could be issued soon if "certain third parties" do not interfere with the process.
Baghaei noted that an agreement between Iran and Oman would not automatically guarantee safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that US military activities in the region continue to threaten security. Baghaei stated that many factors causing security risks in the strait remain unresolved, and that the US continues its naval blockade against Iran and its "aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests."
Baghaei also reported that Iran continues its contacts with Pakistan and Qatar, which have undertaken a mediation role between the parties, but said that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf do not plan to pay official visits to these countries at this stage.
TRUMP HAD GIVEN "48 HOURS"
US President Donald Trump had said that negotiations with Iran were progressing positively, that the critical process in the Middle East would become clear within 48 hours, and that the Strait of Hormuz would open very soon.
Meanwhile, the media outlet of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had stated that the main reason for the delay in the agreement was US threats.